Parameters on Fracture Strength of Sea Ice

Abstract

Compressive crushing strength on brackish ice and sea ice and fracture toughness value on sea ice were measured as parameters associated with fracture strength of ice. The compressive crushing strength depends on salinity, temperature and strain rate. At constant salinity and temperature, the strength increased with increase in strain rate and reached maximum value at about a strain rate of 10−3 s−1 , then decreased with increase in strain rate. An empirical equation to estimate the compressive crushing strength was derived as a function of brine volume, temperature and strain rate. As far as fracture toughness is concerned, a simplified test procedure on notched cantilever beam specimen was developed in order to avoid complicated manipulation in field conditions. The fracture toughness value (KIC ) coincided well with the value obtained from fracture toughness tests conducted in conformity with the standard test method.