Objectives This study aims to reveal the motion characteristics and failure mechanisms of a Bergy bit, as well as the structural response of the hull, during interactions between local hull structures with varying stiffness and the Bergy bit.

Methods The Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) method is used to conduct numerical simulations of the ship-ice collision process. Finite element analysis models are established to simulate the collisions between local hull frame structures with different stiffness levels and the Bergy bit. The validity of the numerical simulation method and model is verified by comparison with experimental results. The study then analyzes the effects of different collision positions, collision speeds, and frame stiffness variations on the motion characteristics of the Bergy bit, as well as on collision forces and hull structural damage.

Results The results demonstrate that the proposed numerical simulation method for the collision between local hull structures and the Bergy bit effectively reproduces the experimental process. The peak local collision force in the numerical simulation shows an error of less than 15% compared to the experimental results. Structural stiffness plays a critical role in the collision response, with the local collision force generated by the elastic frame model being 26.0% lower than that of the rigid frame model. Both collision speed and position significantly influence the collision force of icebergs and the damage deformation of elastic structures. When structural deformability is considered, the peak collision force and deformation are significantly reduced.

Conclusions The research provides a reference for numerical simulation methods in the optimal design of local ice-resistant structures for polar ships.