Numerical Investigation of Wind-Wave Loads on Nuclear-Powered Icebreakers in Tornado Extreme Environments

As critical assets for polar development and global strategy, nuclear-powered icebreakers necessitate rigorous safety research under extreme meteorological conditions. Evaluating their reliability under tornado loads is essential to ensure sustainable Arctic operations. This study employed numerical methods to solve tornado loads and assess the safety performance of an icebreaker subjected to tornado-induced loads. Tornado loads at varying azimuth angles were solved using a modified Ward-type simulator, while wave loads under tornado conditions were determined by a numerical wave model. The results demonstrated that the tornado applied the maximum wind load on the structure at a 0° azimuth angle. The total wind load was reduced by approximately 39% at a 60° azimuth angle. The tornado-induced moment on the ship exhibited a strongly nonlinear relationship with the azimuth angle. The maximum total moment occurred at a 15° azimuth angle, whereas the minimum total moment was observed at a 90° azimuth angle, where the hull experienced minimal wind loads.