| Abstract | A comprehensive series of model tests was carried out in ice and open water to compare the performance of three, quite different icebreaking bow forms against an existing icebreaker form of the 1960's era. While the icebreaking performance of the more radical modern bows was shown to be superior, the overall impact on the subject multi-role vessel in a typical annual operating profile was not sufficient to compensate for poorer open water performance. The paper represents an independent assessment of forms designed by the proponents to fit the requirement, discusses the importance of correct assumptions of operating profiles on design decisions, and identifies the practical impact on fuel economy of improved bow designs. Some comparisons with full-scale data are made. |
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