Development of Ice Load Generation Module to Evaluate Station-Keeping Performance for Arctic Floating Structures in Time Domain

Abstract

To assess the station-keeping performance of floating structures in the Arctic region, the ice load should be considered along with other environmental loads induced by waves, wind, and currents. However, present methods for performance evaluation in the time domain are not effective in terms of time and cost. An ice load generation module is proposed based on the experimental data measured at the KRISO ice model basin. The developed module was applied to a time domain simulation. Using the results of a captive model test conducted in multiple directions, the statistical characteristics of ice loads were analyzed and processed so that an ice load corresponding to an arbitrary angle of the structure could be generated. The developed module is connected to commercial dynamic analysis software (OrcaFlex) as an external force input. Station-keeping simulation in the time domain was conducted for the same floating structure used in the model test. The mooring system was modeled and included to reflect the designed operation scenario. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed ice generation module and its application to station-keeping performance evaluation. Considering the generated ice load, the designed structure can maintain a heading angle relative to ice up to 4°. Station-keeping performance is enhanced as the heading angle conforms to the drift direction. It is expected that the developed module will be used as a platform to verify station-keeping algorithms for Arctic floating structures with a dynamic positioning system.