Towards a particle-based finite element framework for ice calving simulation

Calving of ice shelves and tidewater glaciers plays a critical role in controlling glacier and ice-sheet mass loss, yet its physical representation in numerical models remains challenging due to the strong coupling between continuum deformation, fracture initiation, and discrete separation processes. Direct observations of calving are limited by field accessibility and satellite temporal resolution, highlighting the need for numerical models to investigate calving mass loss and its mechanisms, and to explore future scenarios and sensitivity experiments. In this study, we present the preliminary development of a numerical framework for the analysis of calving-related mechanical processes based on a Particle Discretization Scheme Finite Element Method (PDS-FEM).

PDS-FEM is a numerical approach originally developed for quasi-static and dynamic fracture problems in solid mechanics, including fracture propagation in residual stress fields. The method provides a particle description to the solid continuum with a mathematically consistent finite element formulation. This particle discretization scheme enables precise evaluation of deformation, stress localization, and crack initiation without prescribing explicit crack paths or tuning parameters. In this initial phase, we focus on formulating the governing equations, implementing the numerical scheme, and examining its basic mechanical behavior under simplified conditions relevant to calving.

We investigate simplified three-dimensional configurations to examine the basic mechanical behavior of ice under tensile and bending stresses which are commonly associated with calving processes near ice fronts. Constitutive laws and boundary conditions are intentionally simplified, and therefore the results are qualitative and intended to demonstrate feasibility rather than provide quantitative predictions.

While the present results are preliminary, this work demonstrates the potential of PDS-FEM as a framework for analyzing calving which includes continuum ice dynamics and fracture-related processes. Future work will focus on model validation, applications to more realistic glacier and ice-shelf geometries, and exploring more complex constitutive laws for ice deformation.