The peridynamic (PD) theory is based on nonlocal mechanics and employs particle discretization in its computational domain, making it advantageous for simulating cracks. Consequently, PD has been applied to simulate ice damage and ice–structure interaction under various conditions. However, the calculation efficiency of PD, similar to other meshless methods, is constrained by the number of particles and the inherent limitations of the method itself. These constraints hinder its potential for further development in the field of ice−structure interaction. This study aims to explore the computational efficiency of various methods that can be employed to improve the computational cost of PD in ice–structure interactions. Specifically, we analyze the computational efficiency of three different methods (the MPI parallelization, the updated link−list search method, and the particle−pair method) and their collaborative calculation efficiency to reduce simulation time. These methods are employed to calculate ice–ship interaction, and their coupled efficiency is studied. Furthermore, this study discusses the computation strategy to improve efficiency on using the PD method to calculate ice–structure interaction. The present work provides scholars who employ PD to calculate ice–structure interaction or ice damage with a referential discussion plan to achieve an efficient numerical computation process.

Understanding sea-ice dynamics at the floe scale is crucial to comprehend polar climate systems. While continuum models are commonly used to simulate large-scale sea-ice dynamics, they have limitations in accurately representing sea-ice behaviour at small scales. DEMs, on the other hand, are well-suited for modelling the behaviour of individual ice floes but face limitations due to computational constraints. To address the limitations of both approaches while combining their strengths, we explored the feasibility of using a DEM within a continuum model, where the latter provides boundary conditions for a rectangular high-resolution DEM domain. This paper presents a feasibility study where a discrete model of a 100 × 100 km² icefield was created using high-resolution optical satellite imagery. Sea-ice dynamics were simulated in the DEM considering environmental forces and integrating large-scale ice-drift velocities as boundary conditions. Model predictions were compared with satellite observations for ice drift and deformation parameters. This numerical approach showed potential for offering accurate, high-resolution predictions of sea ice, particularly in coastal areas and near islands, and may find applications in ice navigation and climate studies. However, further development of the DEM, along with upgrades to the coupled ocean models providing data for the ice component, may be necessary. Additionally, challenges remain to develop a two-way coupling between the DEM and a continuum model, which may be needed to improve the accuracy of large-scale simulations.

The marginal ice zone (MIZ) is located at the junction of ice-covered areas and open water, where waves cause ice floes to break up and change their state of motion, thus threatening the safety of ships navigating the ice. This study employs the Structured Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (S-ALE) method and the numerical wave-making method based on dynamic boundary conditions to numerically examine the motion response of ice floes in waves. The longitudinal motion of ice floes in waves can be classified into two distinct states, namely irregular and regular, depending on the wavelength. In the short-wave range, the ice floes exhibit primarily irregular motion, whereas in the long-wave range, their motion becomes regular, resembling that of isolated ice floes. The longitudinal motion response of the ice floes remains unaffected by their size. However, the longitudinal velocity, surge velocity, and displacement of the ice floes are influenced by the wavelength. Furthermore, the numerical calculations are compared to the model test conducted in a towing tank using paraffin artificial ices, revealing a qualitative agreement between the experimental and numerical results.