A Cohesive Element Framework for Dynamic Ice-Structure Interaction Problems—Part I: Review and Formulation

A framework incorporating dynamic crack propagation and continuum mechanics for modeling ice-structure interaction processes is developed. The framework is build upon a comprehensive review of recent developments in the analysis of dynamic fragmentation problems for materials such as ceramics, concrete, and metals. A review of alternative crack propagation modeling methods is also included in order to illustrate how the developed framework may overcome the shortcomings of existing techniques. This is the first paper (Part I) in a series of three papers. The formulation of the framework is presented in this paper. In the second paper (Part II), implementation of the framework will be described. The application of the framework to various ice-structure interaction problems will be presented in Part III along with the demonstration and investigation of important aspects of these scenarios.