Experimental Research of Hull Vibration of a Full-Scale River Icebreaker

Abstract

A series of tests of a full-scale river icebreaker was conducted to investigate the characteristics of ice-induced hull vibration. The test was conducted when the river icebreaker was operating in an ice-covered river at temperatures of − 4 to 0 °C with ice thicknesses of 300 to 400 mm. In the tests, the ice condition and icebreaker speed were chosen as the main influence factors. By analyzing the measured test data, we identified some important points regarding ice-induced hull vibration. When the river icebreaker navigates in an area with complete ice coverage, the peak value of the acceleration amplitude spectrum is highest. Also, the vibration response excited by the icebreaking load in an area with complete ice coverage exhibits more frequencies. With an increase in icebreaker speed, the vibration acceleration response gradually increases. However, habitability of the bow region on the main and driving decks is maintained due to the harmless vibration levels. In addition, the icebreaking operation of the river icebreaker causes violent local vibration of the grillage on the main deck.