Motion of a Load over an Ice Sheet with Non-Uniform Compression

The linear hydroelastic problem of the motion of a rectangular external pressure zone over an unbounded ice sheet floating on the fluid surface is considered. The ice sheet is simulated by a thin elastic plate with taking into account the longitudinal, transverse, and shear compressive forces. The external load describes the motion of an air-cushion vehicle. The solution to the time-dependent problem of instantaneous start of the load and its successive rectilinear motion at constant velocity is constructed. The steady-state wave motion developed in large times is investigated. The vertical deflections and strains of the ice sheet, as well as the wave forces acting on the vehicle, are determined.