Hao Wang , Enzhao Xiao , Yihe Wang , Shengquan Li , Xueyuan Tang , Bo Sun
{"title":"Compaction mechanics of unsintered snow layers based on particle image velocimetry techniques","authors":"Hao Wang , Enzhao Xiao , Yihe Wang , Shengquan Li , Xueyuan Tang , Bo Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.coldregions.2025.104598","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The knowledge of snow response under applied loads, particularly the deformation process during compaction, is important for avalanche modeling and cold region engineering. This paper is devoted to analyzing the deformation process of unsintered snow layers under compaction loads. An experiment framework that allows the observation of the unsintered snow deformation process on the symmetric plane of indentation is utilized along with the particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique. The experiment results show that during deformation, the snow particle velocity field can be categorized into four types: Type A, initial velocity field; Type B, vertical velocity field; Type C, shear band velocity field; and Type D, irregular velocity field. The shear band in loose snow beneath the compacted zone in Type C is the main difference between the deformation processes of snow samples with small and large initial depths, and it is also the key driver of the “egg shell” compaction effects in snow samples with large initial depths. The 150 mm depth sample exhibited the most regular compaction zone, with the Type B velocity field dominating for over 90 % of the duration. In contrast, the 300 mm depth sample displayed the most pronounced “egg shell” structure, with a 21.6 % density decrease between the surface and underlying layer. The findings in this study provide guidelines for developing construction methods and procedures for snow runways and roads, and can be utilized as a database for the validation of snow compaction numerical models.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10522,"journal":{"name":"Cold Regions Science and Technology","volume":"239 ","pages":"Article 104598"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8000,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Cold Regions Science and Technology","FirstCategoryId":"5","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165232X25001818","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"ENGINEERING, CIVIL","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
The knowledge of snow response under applied loads, particularly the deformation process during compaction, is important for avalanche modeling and cold region engineering. This paper is devoted to analyzing the deformation process of unsintered snow layers under compaction loads. An experiment framework that allows the observation of the unsintered snow deformation process on the symmetric plane of indentation is utilized along with the particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique. The experiment results show that during deformation, the snow particle velocity field can be categorized into four types: Type A, initial velocity field; Type B, vertical velocity field; Type C, shear band velocity field; and Type D, irregular velocity field. The shear band in loose snow beneath the compacted zone in Type C is the main difference between the deformation processes of snow samples with small and large initial depths, and it is also the key driver of the “egg shell” compaction effects in snow samples with large initial depths. The 150 mm depth sample exhibited the most regular compaction zone, with the Type B velocity field dominating for over 90 % of the duration. In contrast, the 300 mm depth sample displayed the most pronounced “egg shell” structure, with a 21.6 % density decrease between the surface and underlying layer. The findings in this study provide guidelines for developing construction methods and procedures for snow runways and roads, and can be utilized as a database for the validation of snow compaction numerical models.
期刊介绍:
Cold Regions Science and Technology is an international journal dealing with the science and technical problems of cold environments in both the polar regions and more temperate locations. It includes fundamental aspects of cryospheric sciences which have applications for cold regions problems as well as engineering topics which relate to the cryosphere.
Emphasis is given to applied science with broad coverage of the physical and mechanical aspects of ice (including glaciers and sea ice), snow and snow avalanches, ice-water systems, ice-bonded soils and permafrost.
Relevant aspects of Earth science, materials science, offshore and river ice engineering are also of primary interest. These include icing of ships and structures as well as trafficability in cold environments. Technological advances for cold regions in research, development, and engineering practice are relevant to the journal. Theoretical papers must include a detailed discussion of the potential application of the theory to address cold regions problems. The journal serves a wide range of specialists, providing a medium for interdisciplinary communication and a convenient source of reference.