The Effect of Structure Shape on the Broken Ice Zone Surrounding Offshore Structures

• Main Authors: Barker, Anne, Timco, Garry
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2003
• Subjects: Arctic; ice covered waters
• Online Access: https://nrc-publications.canada.ca/eng/view/accepted/?id=59a2978f-df02-4135-8d23-e27f0d909686; https://nrc-publications.canada.ca/eng/view/object/?id=59a2978f-df02-4135-8d23-e27f0d909686; https://nrc-publications.canada.ca/fra/voir/objet/?id=59a2978f-df02-4135-8d23-e27f0d909686

The implicit Particle-in-Cell (iPIC) numerical model developed at CHC has been used to investigate the extent of the zone of broken ice around offshore structures during interaction with moving ice. The numerical model simulated level ice interaction with five offshore structure shapes: a circle, a square, an octagon, a multi-leg platform, and a conical structure. Ice properties were held constant for comparisons between structure shapes. Simulation data are compared with available field and laboratory documentation. Comparisons of the extent of the rubble zone were made between the structure shapes. The results are discussed in terms of their implications regarding safe evacuation of personnel from offshore platforms in ice-covered waters. NRC publication: Yes