Hydrodynamic Modelling and Estimating Response of Glacial Ice Near a Drilling Rig

Abstract

Impact scenarios involving a typical drilling rig and glacial ice are studied. The goal is to better identify the important physical effects in modelling the dynamics of glacial ice in presence of waves and a floating platform, whilst improving simulation tools to capture the location and energy of possible collisions. A state-of-the-art numerical model of a typical semi-submersible is developed and calibrated with model tests to represent the drilling rig. A systematic incremental approach is adopted to model the dynamics of glacial ice. Long wave approximation, nonlinear excitation and restoring forces, interaction forces with the semi-submersible, and viscous forces due to flow separation are among the models which are considered step by step. The sensitivity of the resulted collision scenario to the modelling choices is investigated. The possibility of impact with columns, pontoons, and risers are particularly studied. Based on the obtained results, recommendations are made for modelling of glacial ice dynamics in presence of a floating platform.