Development of a Viscoelastic Finite Difference Formulation for Analysis of Ice Sheet - Structure Interactions.

This work reviews two models of ice sheet interaction with a particular structural shape, an isolated circular pile. A new model is developed using classical small element elastic theory. The ensuing equations are reduced by an adaptation of circular symmetry from a plane stress, two-dimensional representations to an infinite number of one-dimensional representations. The equations are then solved numerically by a finite difference technique and a finite number of solutions are recombined into an approximation of the true solution. The model is extended to a viscoelastic formulation with the Maxwell model. Some results and conclusions concerning areas of potential material failure and frictional effects are drawn. The computer code used is included and suggestions for further improvements are noted. (Author)