A numerical method for the prediction of ship performance in level ice

A numerical method is introduced to simulate ship maneuvers in level ice. The coupling between continuous ice forces and ship motions is considered, and the three degree-of-freedom rigid body equations of surge, sway and yaw are solved by numerical integration. The numerical analysis is validated by comparison with the ship performance data from the ice trails of icebreaker AHTS/IB Tor Viking II. A good agreement is achieved.