Two-dimensional discrete element simulations ofice–structure interaction

The paper presents the application of a discrete element technique for the study of the plane strain problem of the interaction between a moving ice sheet and a ~exible stationary structure[ The discrete element technique accounts for the generation of failure within an initially intact ice sheet[ The failure of the ice corresponds to situations where the ice can exhibit combinations of brittle fragmentation and viscoplastic ~ow[ The modelling also accounts for size dependency in the strength of the ice after fragmentation[ The inter!fragment interactions are modelled by non!linear constraints which includes Coulomb frictional behaviour[ The computational scheme is used to evaluate the time history of the average contact stresses and the distribution of local contact stresses at the ice structure interface in the fragmentation zone