Author(s): Shuai Kong; Shunying Ji; Xinyu Zhang; Jianqi Lei; Chunmei Xie; Shuxia Bu; Zhengfeng Liu

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Keywords: Ice load; Discrete element; GCM-3D; Vertical structure

Abstract: The brittle fracturing process of sea ice can be simulated using a bond model that incorporates bond-failure effects. Existing parallel bond model for simulating sea ice fragmentation consider only the overall mechanical behavior of the bond-failure units, lacking a detailed description of the progressive failure process within the bonded elements. The bonding unit in the 3D generalized contact model (GCM-3D) consists of localized bonding points, enabling a more refined representation of the failure process during sea ice-structure interaction. In this study, a GCM-3D discrete element program suitable for structural ice load analysis was compiled using CUDA-C. In this model, the interaction between local bonding elements accounts for both the relative velocity and elastic deformation between the elements. The maximum normal contact force of a local bonding point pair is governed by its normal bond strength, while the maximum tangential shear contact force follows the Mohr–Coulomb criterion. Ice load characteristics during continuous extrusion against a typical vertical structure were calculated. The time history of the ice load in the field test were also analyzed and benchmarked.

DOI:

Year: 2026