Ice Mechanics

The course addresses the molecular structure of ice, the formation, growth and classification of ice. Rheological properties of ice are presented, stress-strain relations, temperature effects and fracture mechanical behaviour. Ice conditions in cold waters of interest for the oil industry are described. Further, ice-structure interaction is highlighted with emphasis on analytical, empirical and numerical calculations of loads from ice (sea ice and freshwater ice) on fixed and floating structures.

After successfully completed the course the candidate has ability to assess the properties of ice as a material and make calculations of the loads of ice on structures in different ice infested areas.

Knowledge: Candidates should have knowledge of:

• Different Sea Ice Features
• Characteristics of the different Sea ice Features
• Ice physics
• Classical ice mechanics
• Fracture mechanics of ice
• Material modeling of ice
• Type of structures used in ice
• Mechanisms that cause vibration of structures exposed to ice

Skills: The candidate is able to:

• Make ice load calculations using numerical tools
• Make assessments of ice loads based on physical testing in ice tanks
• Assess the use of full-scale data in the ice tank testing
• Suggest design engineering for the reduction of ice loads and vibrations caused by ice

General knowledge: The candidate has:

• General knowledge of ice physics and mechanics
• General skills that can be used for design of offshore structures in ice infested areas

The course consists of a lectured part and project work. The project work shall lead to a report that accounts 40 % of the exam. The report shall be delivered latest one week before the oral examination. Questions to the report may be raised during the examination.