Sammendrag
Sea ice deformation is concentrated on Linear Kinematic Features (LKFs) such as ridges and leads. The ridging and leads opening processes are highly related to fracture of sea ice. In ice dynamics studies, various ice rheology models have been proposed and applied in modelling such localized ice deformation scenarios. However, most of the approaches adopted are based on continuum mechanics (i.e., no explicit fracture). All the detailed fracturing processes are either characterized by Visco-Plastic deformation (e.g., the Elastic/Visco-Plastic (E/VP) model and its derivatives) or a damage-number-induced material weakening (e.g., the Maxwell-Elastic-Brittle (MEB) model and its derivatives). These ice rheology models have been successfully applied in various scenarios, primarily at large scales. However, there are emerging needs for: 1) a more physically informed parameterization towards upper-scale models; and 2) even higher resolution ice deformation modelling. Hence, we take a dive into the detailed fracturing processes and the formation processes of LKFs at floe scale (i.e., 10 m – 10 km). In pursuing this objective, we explored the potential of applying a promising mesh free numerical method, Peridynamics (PD), in modelling floe-scale ice fractures. PD offers a physically and mathematically consistent theory through which spontaneous emergence and propagation of cracks can be achieved. The integral nature of the governing equations in PD remains valid even if a crack appears. We investigated in this paper the tensile fracture (e.g., leads opening) of an elastic heterogenous ice floe. The modelling results were compared with published numerical results obtained by another numerical method. The pros and cons of PD and its potential in this application are discussed.
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