| Abstract | This paper presents a novel approach to representing the performance of icebreakers in both modelscale and full-scale scenarios, as well as their correlation. Traditionally, icebreaker correlation studies have provided limited insights, often focusing on a few performance metrics under selected ice thickness and/or flexural strength in level ice. In some cases, pack ice conditions were used for model-scale testing, but these were rarely compared with full-scale results due to the variability in ice piece size and other environmental factors, such as waves.
Generally, icebreakers encounter a wide range of ice conditions, from loose pack ice to thick pressure ridges. However, these diverse conditions have not been comprehensively captured or analyzed in traditional ship performance assessments. To address this gap, a new method employing a non-dimensional performance curve using thrust/torque and overload coefficients was developed and applied to both model-scale and full-scale ship performance data. Additionally, the correlation between model-scale and full-scale performance was systematically evaluated and discussed.
The proposed method encompasses all potential scenarios an icebreaker may encounter, enabling the estimation of external forces, such as ice resistance, using the non-dimensional performance curve. This approach effectively transforms the ship into a sensor under various ice conditions. By utilizing performance data such as ship speed and RPM values, the method allows for the derivation of external forces, which may include a combination of ice, wave, current, and wind loads. |
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