Numerical analysis of ice-breaking effects induced by two interacting bubbles using the coupled boundary element method and peridynamics model

In this study, a fluid–structure interaction model is developed using the bond-based peridynamics (PD) combined with the boundary element method (BEM) to investigate the crack evolution and failure processes in ice under bubble-induced hydrodynamic loads. Two bubbles are generated simultaneously, positioned horizontally beneath the ice structure. The validity of the coupled BEM-PD model is established through comparisons between the observed bubble dynamic and damage modes with the experimental results. The study reveals that the interaction of the bubbles with the ice leads to complex crack propagation patterns and varying load characteristics. Furthermore, various non-dimensional inter-bubble distances γbb and bubble-ice distances γbi critically influence the characteristics of bubble-induced loads and crack patterns. Larger inter-bubble distances result in independent bubble actions and energy dispersion, while closer proximities intensify interactions and promote crack branching. Closer bubble-ice distances yield higher pressure peaks, while larger distances reduce them. As γbi increases, the pressure peak at the measurement points decreases. When γbi is less than 4.0, it significantly affects the pressure peak, but beyond 4.0, the influence of γbb on the pressure peak gradually diminishes. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing bubble-induced ice-breaking techniques, highlighting the critical role of bubble positioning and spacing in achieving efficient ice fracture.