Author(s): M. Matsuishi; R. Ettema
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Abstract: A 1.5-m diameter (at the load waterline) test platform was used to determine the ice loads and motions likely to be experienced by a moored, floating platform in a moving layer of mushy ice rubble. The test platform was connected to a linear spring instrumentation harness which simulated the mooring system of a cable-moored platform. In order to evaluate the effect of platform motions on ice loads, a parallel set of experiments were conducted with the test platform restrained, or fixed, from moving. The model ice rubble was formed from tempered sheets of urea ice. An important feature of ice-rubble Impact with the test platform is the accumulation of ice rubble as a false bow at its leading perimeter. Ice loads increased as the false bow formed. It was found that the forces required to moor or restraint the conical test platform increased almost linearly with increasing thickness of ice-rubble layer. When impacted by ice rubble, the moored platform drifted horizontally and changed its trim, but without oscillating. Ice loads were up to 26% less when the platform could alter its trim than when it was restrained from moving. The maximum ice loads did not vary significantly with speed of the moving layer of ice rubble.
Year: 1986