Steady-state response of an infinite, free floating ice sheet to a moving load at constant velocity

Abstract

This study investigates the steady-state response of a thin elastic plate floating on the surface of an infinitely deep compressible fluid to a moving line load. The load travels at a constant speed along the axial direction in the one-dimensional model. A steady-state solution was theoretically established for the moving load, and the expressions for the vertical displacement and pressure, and velocity in the fluid were explicitly determined. Integral transforms and asymptotic methods were used to derive a semi-analytical solution for the steady-state response, and the influence of the plate thickness and velocity of the moving load on the fluid domain pressure and the structure interaction response of the plate is thoroughly discussed. Numerical analysis results indicate that when the moving force traverses a large coupled elastic plate at a constant velocity, a portion of the response gradually evolves into a steady-state condition. This study uniquely addresses the steady-state response of an ice sheet in contact with a compressible fluid under subsonic conditions, a less explored area in existing literature. The findings have significant implications for the design and safety of infrastructure in Arctic regions.