Influence of dynamic factors on ice rafting

Theoretical analysis and numerical simulation have been applied to researching the effect of wave, current and wind on the ice rafting. The analytical results show that wave is the key factor for ice fracture. The process of ice rafting is simulated using the discrete element method. The simulated results show that the distortion or flexure breakage happens firstly, then followed by ice rafting. The comprehensively analysed results show that the ice is easily rafted on the simultaneity action of wave, current and wind, and the action of wave can't be ignored. Moreover, the rafted ice length increases with the enhancive force of ocean current and wind.