Author(s): Andrew Tangborn; Cing-Dao Kan; Wendell Tangborn
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: The collision between the oil tanker Overseas Ohio and an iceberg in Prince William Sound, Alaska, in January 1994 provides us with information that can be used to predict the damage caused by collisions of this type. This paper is concerned with determining the size of the iceberg that was involved in the collision. Simple order of magnitude arguments result in estimates of a mass of about 7500 tons, while simulations of the collision using a non-linear large displacement finite element technique show that the actual mass is closer to around 4000 tons. These iceberg masses are well within the range of sizes found in recent surveys of Prince William sound. These simulations provide the means to develop an accurate risk assessment to tanker traffic when combined with detailed surveys of iceberg drift in the Sound.
Year: 1998