Thermodynamic Deformation of Wet Snow,
Abstract
The deformation of wet snow is explained in terms of the thermodynamics of the three phases of water. When deformation by particle rearrangement is fully developed, deformation can occur most rapidly by melting at the particle contacts. The rate of deformation is highly sensitive to the liquid water content, ionic impurity content, particle contact area, and stress level. A model of the hydrostatic deformation of wet snow is constructed, and examples of the deformation of wet snow are given for a variety of conditions. These results are in agreement with existing experimental evidence. The model accurately simulates the transient nature of the deformation and the effect of water content on the quasi-stable density of wet snow subjected to a constant stress. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA033830
Entities
People
- Samuel C. Colbeck
Organizations
- Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory