Numerical Simulation of Ship–Ice Layer Collision Using the Cohesive Element Method

Collision between the ship and the layer ice is a complex process, several ice physical behavior will happen simultaneously, especially the spalling and creep phenomenon. Cohesive element method was adopted to simulate the ship-ice impact problem. At the same time, for considering water effect is difficult, a simplified way was used to simulate the buoyancy by adding an elastic material. The paper introduced two different empirical formula used for continuous ice breaking process and compared the simulation ice resistance results with the formulas’. Results for them are in good agreement under a certain condition. In addition, the paper also discuss the phenomenon during the collision process. Finally, the paper stated the difficulties and shortage of the method as well as the future work.