Double Pendulum Dynamic Impact Test Set-up for Ice-grillage Collision

This paper details the development of a double pendulum dynamic impact test apparatus to study the behavior of collisions between ice and structural grillages, typical of those used in ship structures. Direct collisions between ice and ships involve high impact energy and can cause substantial damage to the ship structure. In order to apply this type of impact energy in a controlled and repeatable way, a double pendulum dynamic impact test frame has been developed. The frame consists of two pendulums: one to carry an ice sample and the other to carry a test grillage structure. The overall size of the apparatus is 4m × 5m × 8m. The live weight of each pendulum is approximately 3000 kg. In operation, the pendulums will be lifted and then released simultaneously to impact each other in a vertical position. The frame is instrumented to measure the impact force and deflection of the grillage.