Objective To explore the effect of structural elasticity on the ice-structure interaction process, model tests on the interaction between frozen ice and elastic plates were conducted in a low-temperature laboratory. This study aims to provide a theoretical basis for understanding the ice-structure interaction mechanism and predicting ice loads on ships operating in ice-covered areas.

Method In the experiments, the stiffness of the elastic plates was adjusted by varying their thickness. Two loading rates within the strain-rate range associated with brittle ice failure were selected. A universal testing machine was used to record load-time history data, and a CCD camera was employed to capture the ice failure modes under different test conditions.

Results The interaction process consists of two typical phases: the loose contact phase and the tight contact phase. Loose contact results from the uneven contact between the plate and the top of the ice specimen, with maximum displacements generally ranging from 0 to 1.5 mm. In the tight contact phase, about 43.3% of the load-displacement curves show a saw-tooth shape, representing multi-stage failure modes. Stiffer plates are more likely to cause single-stage ice failure, while more flexible plates tend to result in multi-stage failures. Multi-stage failures are associated with ice flaking at a 45° angle due to shear failure. During multi-stage failure, the slope of the load-displacement curve remains nearly constant, suggesting constant stiffness of the ice-elastic plate coupling system in the tight contact phase.

Conclusion Although the structure in this study is simplified as a plate, the experimental results provide valuable insights for designers of ice-going ships into the complex interaction mechanics between ice and ship structures. This research also provides a foundation for further studies on more complex structures and accurate ice load predictions.