Output details

Ice internal friction: Standard theoretical perspectives on friction codified, adapted for the unusual rheology of ice, and unified

Sea ice rheology is a key uncertainty in oceanographic modelling. The ice contains faults, requiring understanding of the physics of friction on individual faults. In addition to geophysical implications, this has an important engineering application in prediction of loads on offshore structures in ice-infested waters. When sea ice impinges on a structure, a pair of faults often forms oblique to the bulk ice motion: subsequent deformation proceeds by sliding. This paper contains detailed micro-mechanical analysis of towing-tank-scale friction experiments, and demonstrated that adaptation, codification and unification of available theories of ice internal friction were necessary. The work is ongoing.