Numerical study on the structural response of energy-saving device of ice-class vessel due to impact of ice block

The present paper considers the contact between energy-saving device of ice-class vessel and ice block. The main objective of this study is to clarify the tendency of the ice impact force and the structural response as well as interaction effects of them. The contact analysis is performed by using LS-DYNA finite element code. The main collision scenario is based on Finnish-Swedish ice class rules and a stern duct model is used as an energy-saving device. For the contact force, two modelling approaches are adopted. One is dynamic indentation model of ice block based on the pressure-area curve. The other is numerical material modelling by LS-DYNA. The authors investigated the sensitivity of the structural response against the ice contact pressure, the interaction effect between structure and ice block, and the influence of eccentric collision. The results of these simulations are presented and discussed with respect to structural safety.