R&D ice model tests

This year’s first ice model test was done to support our internal R&D effort to increase understanding on the icebreaking process and the impact of certain icebreaker hull features on the ice resistance.

The model used in the tests was that of the Finnish icebreaker Polaris, built to scale 1:21. While practically all ice model tests at our model basin are performed with self-propelled models, in this test we focused on such aspects of hull-ice interaction that required a towed model without propulsion. The towing wire was equipped with a load sensor that measured the resistance encountered by the model.

R&D tests such as this one are important in ensuring that our future icebreaking performance predictions are neither too optimistic nor overly conservative.