Numerical analysis of continuous icebreaking performance of icebreakers with different bow types

Abstract

The bow of an icebreaker plays a critical role in the continuous icebreaking process. However, there are few existing studies on the influence of the bow shape on the icebreaking performance of an icebreaker. Therefore, this study establishes three numerical models of different icebreakers with the same key parameters. Subsequently, the continuous icebreaking processes of different icebreakers are simulated to analyze the influence of the bow type on the icebreaking performance. According to the results, the ice resistances of different icebreakers with the same key parameters are found to be similar. The ratio of the ice resistances among the icebreakers with the straight bow, White bow, and spoon bow is 0.87:0.83:1. The breaking resistance of the spoon bow icebreaker is the lowest, whereas, its submersion resistance is the highest owing to its poor ice discharging performance. By contrast, the White bow has better ice discharging performance. Based on the analysis of the ice resistance, this study recommends that the characteristics of the White bow and the spoon bow be combined for the effective design of an icebreaker. In summary, the results are of practical significance for the design of the icebreaker.