Ice load simulation and its application in the integrated analysis of offshore wind turbines

Abstract

Owing to the complexity of the mechanical properties of ice loads, investigators are still trying various approaches to exploring the mechanical models used to describe the interaction between ice and structures. This article describes the application of different numerical calculation methods in studying the response of structures under ice loads. Following this, the differences in the processes of interaction between offshore wind turbines and ice and that of other marine structures and ice are analyzed. In addition, to further study the applications of numerical calculation methods in the integrated analysis of offshore wind turbines, the fully coupled numerical calculation method of offshore wind turbines and its application is illustrated. Finally, based on the literature, the current status of the main ice load research fields is summarized, and ideas on future exploration are proposed. It is proposed that, first, considering the existing studies on static ice force, the static ice force safety factor needs to be appropriately reduced in order to improve economic efficiency. Then, it is shown that exploration of dynamic ice force theory is still needed and that ice tanks need improvement. It is demonstrated that integrated analysis is needed together with knowledge in other fields such as geotechnics and hydrodynamics.