Investigation of strength properties of freshwater ice

A study of the strength and deformation properties of freshwater ice under compression, tension and shear in a wide range of strain rates (10(-4) - 3 . 10(3) s(-1)) and temperatures of -5 degrees C, -20 degrees C, -40 degrees C and -60 degrees C was performed. Static stress-strain curves of ice under compression were obtained on which the identified strength properties of ice as well as compressive modulus. To determine the mechanical properties of ice at high-speed loading the Kolsky method was used with various embodiments of split Hopkinson bar. The deformation curves were obtained at various loading conditions. Thereon breaking points were defined as well as their dependence on the strain rate and temperature. Also static and dynamic strength properties of ice at splitting and circular shear were defined. Increase in the dynamic strength properties upon the static ones for all loading conditions was marked.