| Abstract | This paper describes model bergy bit/semi-submersible impact tests conducted in the 58 m wave tank at Memorial University. The objective of the tests was to develop a method to accumulate statistics on the locations and velocities of wave-driven iceberg/structure impacts. A single irregular sea state was used and 30 trials were conducted in each test series to accumulate the desired statistics. During each run, a camera system tracked the motions of both the bergy bit and the semi-submersible. This data and the geometry of both bodies was transferred to a CAD (computer-aided design) facility, which then recreated each test by redrawing the positions of the two bodies at each time step. In this manner, the impact locations and times without the obstruction of the water surface were determined, and the desired impact velocities and kinetic energies were computed. This paper describes the test and analysis techniques, and presents results for one test series. It also describes a new method to estimate impact kinetic energies using only open-water velocity data. |
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