Abstract:
Changes in the flow field structure between ice ridges can affect the momentum exchange at the polar sea ice-ocean interface, thus altering sea ice movement and evolution patterns. To make up for the missing field observation data and clarify the flow characteristics between the ice keels, laboratory physical simulation experiments were conducted using the particle image velocimetry technology. By varying the dimensionless spacing between ridge keels
L from 7.5 to 30, the relative velocity
V from 0.1 to 0.3 m/s, the draft
H from 0.04 to 0.12 m, and the incline angle of the ridge keels
α from 30 to 90° the flow field structure between ridge keels and the wake flow field was explored, and the impact of changes in angle, spacing and the draft of ridge keels on the flow field structure was analyzed. The results indicate that with an increase in the angle of the ridge keels, the velocity gradient of the flow field also increases. The core of the backflow vortex gradually moves away from the front of the ice ridge, with a significant increase in the velocity gradient below the core. When the distance between the ridge keels widens, the flow velocity initially rises and then declines between the ridge keels. Once the dimensionless spacing between the ice keels exceeds a certain distance, the rear ridge keel has minimal impact on the intermediate flow field. As the ridge keels enter deeper into the water, the lateral and longitudinal influence range of the backflow vortex increases, resulting in a higher velocity gradient below the vortex core. A minor vortex emerges when the water depth reaches 0.12 meters. It is observed that the speed of ice ridge movement is not the primary factor influencing changes in the flow field. These experimental findings hold significant importance for parameterizing the ice-ocean drag coefficient and enhancing sea ice dynamics models.