Analysis of compressive ice failure during ice-structure interaction

• Main Author: Browne, Thomas M.
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2012
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/6088/; https://research.library.mun.ca/6088/1/Browne_ThomasM.pdf; https://research.library.mun.ca/6088/3/Browne_ThomasM.pdf

Forty-four small-scale ice indentation tests have been performed on confined polycrystalline ice specimens in order to aid in the understanding of the mechanics associated with ice failure processes related to high pressure zones formed during ice-structure interaction. A review of fundamental ice mechanics theory, execution of a laboratory-scale experimental program, and analysis of the collected data were completed. -- Through analysis of the collected data, cyclic loading patterns, at frequencies as high as 250 Hz, have been linked to crushing and extrusion of ice associated with high pressure zone failures. Structural compliance was observed to aid in the development of cyclic loading patterns and the frequency has been determined to have a linear dependence on structural stiffness. A linear relationship was also observed between the indentation speed and the resulting cyclic loading frequency. A layer of damaged ice adjacent to the indenter was observed and composed of regions of both dense microfracture and recrystallized ice. -- This study is part of a larger, three year research project on ice compressive failure mechanics that is jointly funded by Statoil and the Research and Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador. Promising results from the work presented in this thesis will be used to guide the remainder of the research project.