Study of Ice Load on Hull Structure Based on Full-Scale Measurements in Bohai Sea

Ice load is a crucial factor when designing structures for polar vessels. Due to the unpredictable nature of sea ice mechanics and the complexity of ship structures, obtaining ice load characteristics through full-scale measurements is considered more effective and reliable. However, conducting full-scale tests in the Arctic for China can be time-consuming and expensive. Using the natural ice fields in the Bohai Sea for full-scale tests can provide valuable insights into the study of ice load. To study ice load characteristics, full-scale measurements were carried out during icebreaker navigation trials in the ice zone of Bohai Sea. Distributed shear strain sensors were installed to measure the ice-induced structural strain on the starboard of the bow, and the local ice loads were determined based on the influence coefficient matrix method. Additionally, video cameras were utilized to record ice conditions, including ice type and thickness. By analyzing the data, the Rayleigh separation method was used to extract the process of ice load action. Statistical analysis was performed on the peak ice load values, with a particular emphasis on the various types of sea ice, ice thickness, and ship speed. The results show that the action period, peak value, mean value, and waveform of ice loads obtained in the full-scale measurement are consistent with the full-scale data of other icebreakers. The conclusion supports the effectiveness and feasibility of conducting ship ice load characteristic testing in the Bohai Sea.