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Moving loads on sea ice

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 October 2009

V. A. Squire ,
P. J. Langhorne ,
W. H. Robinson ,
A. J. Heine  and
T. G. Haskell
V. A. Squire
Affiliation:
Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1ER
P. J. Langhorne
Affiliation:
Whittle Laboratory, Cambridge University Engineering Department, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 ODY
W. H. Robinson
Affiliation:
Physics and Engineering Laboratory, DSIR, Private Bag, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
A. J. Heine
Affiliation:
Physics and Engineering Laboratory, DSIR, Private Bag, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
T. G. Haskell
Affiliation:
Division of Information Technology, DSIR, Private Bag, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
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Abstract

A load moving on sea ice, whether the weight of a vehicle or the pressure exerted by a low-flying aircraft, produces a deflection which can in extreme cases cause ice failure. The magnitude and shape of the deflection profile depends on the weight and speed of the vehicle) and also the the ice thickness and properties, with flexuralgraviry waves radiating from the source at speeds above a critical value. This wave pattern was studied in detail on flat, snow-free sea ice in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Surface strain was measured directly and microcracking activity monitored to correlate measured strain with possible generation of dangerous cracks. Speeds of up to 28 m sec-1 (60 mph) were achieved with a pickup truck, and up to 80 m sec-1 with a US Navy C131 aircraft. Initial comparison between theory and experimental results is very encouraging.

Type
Articles
Information
Polar Record , Volume 23 , Issue 146 , May 1987 , pp. 569 - 575
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1987

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References

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Squire, V. A. 1985. On deflections and strains induced by loads moving over ice. In POAC, Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Port and Ocean Engineering under Arctic Conditions, Narssarssuaq, Greenland, 7–14 September 1985: 1041–50.Google Scholar
Squire, V. A. and Others. 1985. Dynamic strain response of lake and sea ice to moving loads. Cold Regions Science and Technology 11(2): 123–39.CrossRefGoogle Scholar