Finite element analysis of breaking ice forces on conical structures

Nonlinear finite element analysis is adopted to simulate ice breaking forces on conical structures. The ice is treated as an isotropic nonlinear material capable of cracking. The contact interaction forces are simulated with a rigid body-to-deformable body contact algorithm including Coulomb friction sliding. Numerical results are compared with well established analytical procedures based on either elasticity theory or plastic limit analysis. The numerical results are in good agreement with analytical solutions obtained by plasticity theory.