Discrete Element Method Approach to Modeling Mechanical Properties of Three-Dimensional Ice Beams

Abstract

The mechanical properties of ice were numerically studied using the discrete element method (DEM). For ice beam simulations, an open-source DEM library was used. The uniaxial compression test and three-point bending test for modeled ice particles with a bond model were simulated. The mechanical properties of ice were dependent on the parameters of the contact model and the bond model. The bond model was applied to simulate the failure of ice. To model the Young’s modulus, flexural strength, and compressive strength of ice, the relationship with the model parameters of the contact and bonding models was investigated, and equations proposed. Real ice in the Bohai Sea was modeled using the proposed relational equations, and its mechanical properties were predicted. Simulated mechanical properties were compared with measured data in the Bohai Sea.