Author(s): Shengtao Zhu; Lu Zou; Fang Li; Li Zhou; Liangliang Lu; Xu Qin; Pentti Kujala
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Finite element method; Cohesive element method; Failure modes of sea ice; Ship and level ice interaction; Longitudinal ice force
Abstract: Accurate prediction of ice loads is critical to the safe design and operation of icebreakers in Arctic navigation. In this study, a numerical model of the icebreaker Xuelong 2 advancing in level ice is developed using the Finite Element Method-Cohesive Element Method (FEM-CEM). A homogenized elastoplastic constitutive model is adopted to represent the mechanical behavior of sea ice, while the icebreaker is simplified as a rigid steel body. Numerical simulations are conducted for the continuous icebreaking process, and the results are validated against model test data, with the average error in longitudinal ice force remaining within 6%. Based on the validated model, the effects of healing and trim on ice loads are quantitatively analyzed. The results show that the FEM–CEM approach can effectively capture key physical phenomena during icebreaking, including ice bending failure, fragmentation, accumulation, and sliding. The mean longitudinal ice force increases significantly with increasing roll angle, whereas it decreases as the pitch angle increases. In particular, pitch angle has the most pronounced effect on ice loads. This study provides a reliable numerical method and valuable reference data for ice load prediction and potential operational guidance for icebreakers.
Year: 2026