Abstract
Interaction between a moored structure and drifting broken ice is a complex process. To document the expected structure response, ice basin tests of the interaction are common practice. The outcomes of ice basin tests need to be carefully analyzed before extrapolation to expected full-scale target responses. The preferred strategy is to use numerical simulations to correct the measurements. The numerical model needs to be qualified by successful post-simulations of the achieved ice basin interactions.
Post-simulations of interactions between drifting broken ice and a moored floating structure are of high complexity. The response of both the structure and the ice field needs to be replicated. This requires a good modeling of the ice field properties that matter (such as the floe size distributions and concentrations) and the boundary conditions affecting the interactions (such as the effect of the ice basin walls).
Statoil's SIBIS numerical model is used to post-simulate ice basin tests of the moored Cat-I drillship. The present paper discusses the challenges with such post-simulations and presents the philosophy chosen for achieving successful postsimulations.
