Wave Pattern Due to a Load Moving on the Free Surface of a Fluid along the Edge of an Ice Sheet

Abstract

The problem of waves generated in a fluid and an ice sheet by a pressure region moving on the free surface of the fluid along the edge of the semi-infinite ice sheet is solved using the Wiener–Hopf technique. The load applied in some region simulates an air cushion vehicle, and the ice sheet is modeled by a thin elastic plate of constant thickness on the surface of an ideal incompressible fluid of finite depth. In a moving coordinate system, the plate deflection and the fluid elevation are assumed to be steady. The wave forces, the elevation the fluid free surface, and the deflection and deformation of the plate at various speeds of the load are investigated. It is found that at near-critical load speeds, the ice sheet has a significant effect on the wave forces (wave resistance and side force) acting on the body moving on the free surface, and this effect is most pronounced at small distances from the edge. It is shown that for some values of the speed, ice thickness, and load pressure, breaking of the ice sheet near the edge is possible.