Wind Drift, Breakdown, and Pileup of Ice Field Fragments

The article features a mathematical model of wind drift of an ice field, which makes it possible to estimate the drift speed depending on the wind speed and size of the ice field, as well as the kinetic energy of the ice field that will be released after it collides with a fixed obstacle, and causes brittle fracture and the formation of fragments that pile up in front of stationary offshore structures. The basis for the study was the assumption that the effect of wind and water mass on the ice field can be described by methods used in aerodynamics and ship theory. The model of ice pile formation and estimation of its dimensions were based on the assumption that all kinetic energy of the ice field is spent on its brittle fracture, while the formation of the ice fragments pile occurs according to the same laws as in natural ice fragment accumulations: hummock ridges and stamukhas. The created model and computer modeling results can be applied for practical assessments, and forecasting of the dimensions of the ice computer simulation made it possible to relate the size of the pile of ice fragments near stationary platforms and terminals in Arctic seas and other ice-infested seas.