An experimental model of non-rafting collisions between ice floes caused by monochromatic water waves

• Main Authors: Bennetts, L. G., Yiew, L. J., Heylan, M. H., French, B. J., Thomas, G. A.
• Other Authors: The University of Newcastle. Faculty of Science & Information Technology, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
• Format: Conference Object
• Language: English
• Published: Australasian Fluid Mechanics Society (AFMS) 2014
• Subjects: fluid mechanics; ice floes; waves; wave height; Sea ice
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/1293636

An experimental model of wave-induced collisions between two sea-ice floes is presented. The model was implemented in a laboratory wave basin. Monochromatic incident waves were used, with frequencies between 0.5 Hz and 1.5 Hz, and wave heights 20mm and 40 mm. An algorithm is proposed to identify collisions and collision velocities from recorded floe motions. Collisions are shown to be strongest and most frequent for mid-range frequencies and the larger wave height.