Approximation of Interference Effects in Dynamic Ice-Structure Interactions

Elastic wave theory is utilized to investigate the influence of interference effects on the dynamic forces experienced by the members of an array of rigid circular cylindrical structures, subjected to steady-state vibration while surrounded by a homogeneous, isotropic, elastic ice medium of infinite extent. Ice cracking is neglected in the analysis. Interference effects are estimated through the modified plane wave approach—an asymptotic technique which is essentially a large-spacing approximation. Numerical results for two and four-cylinder arrays indicate that interference effects may significantly alter the amplitude and phase of the reaction force experienced by the array members from that which they would each experience in isolation.