A numerical model for simulating the effect of propeller flow in ice management

This newly developed unique numerical model enables physically based high-fidelity simulations of ice management with the propeller flow of a ship. This model predicts the propeller-flow velocities, calculates the hydrodynamic forces on the ice and integrates the equations of motion of the ice cover, which is represented by an ensemble of rigid bodies that may interact with each other. Data from full-scale tests were used to calibrate the model to simulate the propeller-wash effect on ice floes and ice rubble. Another set of experimental data was utilised to validate the model against the measurements from full-scale trials in which an escort ship equipped with azimuth thrusters was employed to widen an old channel filled with ice rubble. The comparison showed good agreement between the measurements and the numerical results.