A numerical model of iceberg scour

A numerical model of iceberg seabed scour is presented. Deformation of the seabed soil follows a Mohr–Coulomb yield criterion, and a pressure–solids volume fraction relationship. The model employs a Particle-In-Cell (PIC) advection scheme, which is suited to dealing with large displacements and discontinuities. Simulations addressed cases of two-dimensional deformation caused by a moving rigid indentor, representing an iceberg. The resulting deformation patterns display expected failure zones and the development of shear layers. The simulations examined the dependence of stresses on scour depth, soil properties, compaction and scour velocity. Comparisons with experimental measurements are also carried out. The results show that the mean normal stress on the iceberg increased with deeper scours and the angle of internal friction of the sand. A decay of stresses was observed in the seabed under the scouring iceberg with higher stress values observed for higher initial solids volume fraction of the sand.