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Virginia Tech

Modal Analysis of the Ice-Structure Interaction Problem

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

In the present study, the author builds upon the single degree of freedom ice-structure interaction model initially proposed by Matlock, et al. (1969, 1971). The model created by Matlock, et al. (1969, 1971), assumed that the primary response of the structure would be in its fundamental mode of vibration. In order to glean a greater physical understanding of ice-structure interaction phenomena, it was critical that this study set out to develop a multi-mode forced response for the pier when a moving ice floe makes contact at a specific vertical pier location. Modal analysis is used in which the response of each mode is superposed to find the full modal response of the entire length of a pier subject to incremental ice loading. This incremental ice loading includes ice fracture points as well as loss of contact between ice and structure. In this model, the physical system is a bottom supported pier modeled as a cantilever beam. The frequencies at which vibration naturally occurs, and the mode shapes which the vibrating pier assumes, are properties which can be determined analytically and thus a more precise picture of pier vibration under ice loading is presented. Realistic conditions such as ice accumulation on the pier modeled as a point mass and uncertainties in the ice characteristics are introduced in order to provide a stochastic response. The impact of number of modes in modeling is studied as well as dynamics due to fluctuations of ice impact height as a result of typical tidal fluctuations. A Poincaré based analysis following on the research of Karr, et al. (1992) is employed to identify any periodic behavior of the system response. Recurrence plotting is also utilized to further define any existing structure of the ice-structure interaction time series for low and high speed floes. The intention of this work is to provide a foundation for future research coupling multiple piers and connecting structure for a comprehensive ice-wind-structural dynamics model.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Aerospace and Ocean Engineering
Department dc:contributor.department
Aerospace and Ocean Engineering
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
2008

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Venturella, Michael Anthony
Chairs dc:contributor.committeechair
  • McCue-Weil, Leigh S.
  • Patil, Mayuresh J.
Committee member dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Sotelino, Elisa D.

Subjects

dc:subject × 4

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
etd-04172008-221716
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/31749

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Venturella, Michael Anthony. Modal Analysis of the Ice-Structure Interaction Problem. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/31749