Preliminary results of 3D simulations of a failing ice sheet

摘要

We study the failure of an initially intact ice sheet against an inclined structure, where the most prevalent forces on the ice sheet are vertical. We describe the resulting vertical bending with the Reissner-Mindlin first-order shear deformation theory, implemented in a three-dimensional in-house finite element code. When certain stress criteria are met, the plate fractures according to a phantom node algorithm. The simulated fracture process is validated with analytical models and field experiments described in the literature. Focus is laid on cantilever beam tests and vertical breakthrough tests. Simulations agree with the literature data in both the distribution of stresses leading to fracture and the most common resulting fracture patterns. In future, our aim is to couple the finite element code with an existing discrete element code to simulate ice plate failure against a structure and the subsequent pile-up process.