Wave attenuation and dispersion due to floating ice covers

Experiments investigating the attenuation and dispersion of surface waves in a variety of ice covers are performed using a refrigerated wave flume. The ice conditions tested in the experiments cover naturally occurring combinations of continuous, fragmented, pancake and grease ice. Attenuation rates are shown to be a function of ice thickness, wave frequency, and the general rigidity of the ice cover. Dispersion changes were minor except for large wavelength increases when continuous covers were tested. Results are verified and compared with existing literature to show the extended range of investigation in terms of incident wave frequency and ice conditions

An experimental model of non-rafting collisions between ice floes caused by monochromatic water waves

An experimental model of wave-induced collisions between two sea-ice floes is presented. The model was implemented in a laboratory wave basin. Monochromatic incident waves were used, with frequencies between 0.5 Hz and 1.5 Hz, and wave heights 20mm and 40 mm. An algorithm is proposed to identify collisions and collision velocities from recorded floe motions. Collisions are shown to be strongest and most frequent for mid-range frequencies and the larger wave height

Wave-induced collisions of thin floating disks

Published online 14 December 2017Collisions between two thin floating disks forced by regular water waves are studied for a range of wave amplitudes and lengths, using laboratory wave basin experiments and a mathematical model. Three collision regimes are identified from the experiments in terms of collision frequency and strength, and the collisions are shown to be caused by drift for short incident wavelengths and relative surge motion between the disks for longer incident waves. The model is based on slope-sliding theory for the wave-induced disk motions and rigid-body collisions. It is shown to predict collision frequencies and velocities accurately for intermediate-long incident wavelengths. Incorporating drift and wave scattering forces into the model is shown to capture the collision behaviours for short incident wavelengths.L. J. Yiew, a, L. G. Bennetts, M. H. Meylan, G. A. Thomas, and B. J. Frenc