Author(s): Yufei Zhang; Wenbo Dong; Fang Li; Shifeng Ding; Pentti Kujala; Liangliang Lu; Li Zhou
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Polar ship; Ice forces; Circumferential crack method; Bow shape; Ice clearing performance; Parametric modeling
Abstract: With increasing demand for polar development and maritime transportation, icebreaker design has gained significant attention. This study establishes a numerical simulation framework for ship-ice interaction under level ice using the circumferential crack method and non-smooth discrete element method. Towing simulations show discrepancies within 10% compared to model tests, confirming reliability. Using a United States Coast Guard heavy icebreaker as the parent hull and parametric modeling, the effects of bow geometry on ice-clearing performance are analyzed. Results show stem angle increases cause nonlinear growth in ice resistance, while waterline entrance angle effects depend strongly on waterline shape. Describing the bow waterline form by its fullness within the first quarter breadth, the ice-clearing resistance initially decreases, then increases, and finally decreases again as the waterline transitions from straight to slightly convex and then to convex with increasing fullness. Furthermore, to comprehensively reflect the influence of the stem angle and waterline shape, a coefficient k is introduced. As k increases, the ice-clearing resistance first slightly decreases and then gradually increases. The proposed method a theoretical basis and technical support for bow hull-form optimization of polar vessels, contributing to improved design capability and enhanced prediction accuracy of navigational performance in polar environments.
Year: 2026