Experiments and Interpretation of Ice-Induced Vibrations of Offshore Structures

Dr. Torodd Nord
Associate Professor
Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

When drifting sea ice interacts with a structure, it may result in structural vibrations hence ice-induced vibration.  With the potential to harm the structural integrity, secondary installations and operational safety, ice-induced vibration is an important problem that needs to be addressed in structural design. Since the first deployment of Arctic offshore platforms in Cook Inlet, Alaska in 1960s, extensive measurement campaigns have brought significant attention and knowledge to ice-induced vibrations. With today’s growing demand for renewable energy, the development of offshore wind energy rises in areas with ice-cover during winter months, such as the Baltic Sea and Great lakes. In order to cost-optimize these structures and enable predictive maintenance, the knowledge of ice-structure interaction and ice-induced vibrations play a crucial role for its success.

In this talk, I will present the current knowledge, experimental testing methods and challenges that arise from ice-induced vibrations. I will begin my talk with an introduction of sea ice from a material and solid mechanics perspective. Then, I will explore the processes occurring on the ice-structure interface during events of IIV. Finally, I will present ice-induced vibrations from a structural dynamics point of view, and talk about the challenges we face in fatigue limit state design and ability to perform structural health monitoring on structures deployed in ice-choked waters.

***Please join us ten minutes early for a virtual coffee hour hosted by Dr. Deniz Gedikli.***

Zoom Meeting Link
Meeting ID: 968 0761 9339
Passcode: 737255