Dynamic Response of an Ice-Breaker Hull to Ice Breaking

Abstract : Experiments were conducted with the objective of studying the behavior of an ice-breaker hull moving continuously through an ice sheet. Of particular interest was the interaction of ice forces exerted against the hull and the hull's pitching motion. A 1:48-scale model hull of the USCGC 'Polar Star' (WAGB10) was used in the study. The model hull was towed by a towing carriage. The dynamic response of the model hull to ice breaking was used to infer the vertical component of the ice forces exerted against the hull; to evaluate the temporal variation of the hull's buoyancy and pitching moment; and, to evaluate the inertial force components of the hull's motion. Examination of the dynamic response of the model hull required computer-based acquisition of temporal records of its pitch and draft as well as it vertical and angular accelerations. Time series analyses of the temporal records were performed.