Objectives It aims to reveal the motion characteristics and failure mechanism of Bergy bit, as well as the structural response of the hull, during the interaction between local hull structures with different stiffnesses and Bergy bit.

Methods First, based on the Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) method, numerical simulations are conducted for the ship-ice collision process. Finite element analysis models for collisions between local hull frame structures with different stiffnesses and Bergy bit are established, and the rationality of the numerical simulation method and models is verified by comparison with experimental results. Second, the influence laws of different collision positions, collision speeds, and frame structures with different stiffnesses on the motion characteristics of Bergy bit, as well as on collision forces and hull structural damage, are analyzed.

Results The results show that the proposed numerical simulation method for the collision between local hull structures and Bergy bit can well reproduce the experimental process, with the error of the local collision force peak between the numerical simulation results and the experimental results being within 15%. Structural stiffness plays a dominant role in the collision response, and the local collision force generated by the elastic frame model decreases by 26.0% compared with that of the rigid frame model. Collision speed and position have a significant impact on the collision force of icebergs and the damage deformation of elastic structures; after considering structural deformability, the peak collision force and deformation are significantly reduced. .

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