Fact Sheet
US Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center
January 2004
Public Affairs Office
3909 Halls Ferry Road
Vicksburg, MS 39180-6199
(601) 634-2504
http://www.wes.army.mil
Computational Modeling of Ice and Debris
Purpose: To develop computational tools to simulate ice and debris problems in navigational channels
and around locks and dams.
Background: Debris and floating ice are a
significant problem at navigation locks that can
lead to increased lockage time and require
extensive manpower to combat. Our objective is to
develop a set of discrete element based tools for
simulation of particulate materials that impact the
Corps of Engineers navigation mission including
ice, debris, and rock. These tools will make it
possible for Corps designers and engineers to
simulate and study:
Transit of ships and tows through ice and
debris covered channels.
Accumulation of ice and debris in and around
navigation structures in complex flow fields.
Evaluation of designs and operational
guidelines for controlling ice and debris at
locks and dams.
Simulation of ships, barges, and mooring
Showing log debris flowing past bridge piers upstream
systems in lock approaches and lock chambers
of Monongahela 4 L&D.
in the presence of ice and debris.
Facts: The tools are based on discrete element (DEM) computer codes developed at CRREL. The
ice/debris DEM has been developed and run on water velocity and surface elevation fields calculated by
the advanced hydraulic model ADH developed at CHL. We are integrating the DEM ice/debris modules
with the ADH hydrodynamic model on the HPC. We have developed full ellipsoidal rock simulations that
can be similarly integrated with ADH to model underwater deposition of rock for bed protection. We
have begun prototype development of discrete element based barge and mooring models that will be
compatible with the DEM used to model rocks, ice, and debris as well as the elements used to construct
the model guard walls, piers, lock walls, and gates. This will allow simulation of impacts, forces and
mooring dynamics caused by lock filling and emptying as well as ice and debris effects.
Points of Contact: For additional information, please contact Dr. Mark Hopkins at 603-646-4249
( ), Dr. Steve Daly at 603-646-4218
( ), Dr. Richard Stockstill at 601-634-4251
( ).
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