Author(s): Ziqi Jin; Lu Liu; Shunying Ji
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Sea ice bearing capacity; Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM); Numerical simulation; Mechanical response
Abstract: To investigate the effects of landing parameters on the mechanical response of sea ice, the coupled DEM-LBM model was developed for sea ice under aircraft landing loads. Aerodynamic loads, primarily aerodynamic drag, were explicitly considered. By analyzing ice stresses under varying aircraft weights, horizontal speeds, and descent speeds, the evolution of sea ice response was revealed. The DEM-LBM method was established for the mechanical response of sea ice with aerodynamic loads included. The moving-load effect during aircraft landing was also coupled into the model. Twelve operating conditions were systematically examined. The mechanical response of sea ice under combined vertical dynamic loads, horizontal dynamic loads, and aerodynamic loads was analyzed. The results show that the landing dynamic load increases with descent speed and aircraft weight, but decreases with horizontal speed because of the corresponding increase in lift and drag. These findings provide guidance for the structural design of ice-surface airports and for aircraft takeoff and landing operations on ice.
Year: 2026