To overcome the limitations of existing ship–ice interaction simulations—namely, oversimplified ice floe geometries and single-field coupling schemes—this study develops a numerical framework that integrates parametric modeling with multi-physics coupling. The framework is used to investigate the effects of irregular ice floes, accounting for secondary fracture, on ice resistance and local ice loads experienced by polar vessels. A two-way coupled CFD–FEM approach is adopted, in which computational fluid dynamics (CFD) resolves the turbulent flow field around the ice-infested region, while the finite element method (FEM) analyzes the dynamic structural response of the ship hull. A non-uniform ice floe model is constructed using a Voronoi diagram algorithm based on natural ice field data and is further discretized via the discrete element method (DEM). The parallel bond-fracture criterion is incorporated to simulate collision-induced fragmentation, enabling dynamic interactions among the hull, the surrounding fluid, and broken ice. Parametric analyses are conducted considering varying ship speeds, ice floe sizes, and ice concentrations. The results reveal the dynamic characteristics of ice loads, the mechanisms underlying ice resistance enhancement, and the effects of localized stress concentration. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing ice load protection design and improving the navigation safety of polar vessels.

Repeated-impact tests were carried out on a typical stiffened panel using both a wedge-shaped ice indenter and, for comparison, a rigid steel indenter under identical conditions. The tests were performed on a drop-weight impact system under a mass-loaded configuration, and the impact force, deformation response, and failure characteristics were recorded. Numerical simulations were additionally conducted to analyze the structural response and damage evolution. Progressive permanent deformation was observed under both impact types, whereas ice impact produced stronger fluctuations and a more scattered peak-force history. The differences between the two impact modes are clarified, providing a reference for the impact-resistant design and safety assessment of ships designed for ice-covered water.