Abstract

Arctic ice condition is a challenge for Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems, as it is different from that in open water. This paper demonstrated a numerical model of DP vessel operating in a pack ice field. A series of simulation was conducted in a broken ice field. The pack ice forces were numerically modeled by using a two-dimensional discrete element method (DEM). A viscous-elastic ice rheology was adopted to model the dynamic behavior of each individual ice floe. Both ship-ice and ice-ice contact were detected to calculate the interaction forces. Environment forces (wind force and current force) were calculated by empirical formulas. After current position and external forces logged, a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control and a thrust allocation algorithm were applied on the vessel to control its motion and heading. Selected simulation results of DP scenario were presented and analyzed.

Keywords:
upstream oil & gas, simulation, ice load, pack ice, subsea system, ice field, ship, operation, algorithm, offshore
Subjects:
Offshore Facilities and Subsea Systems, Floating production systems
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2015. International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers
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