Analysis of mechanical properties and ontological relationships of snow crystals: Progress and prospects

Snow is a heterogeneous material with intricate properties at both macroscopic and microscopic levels. Its porous structure and polymorphism contribute to its enigmatic and unpredictable microstructure. Although extensive research has been conducted on snow mechanics, much of it emphasizes macroscopic deformation behavior, often overlooking the influence of snow's microstructure on its macroscopic properties. This review concentrates on the mechanical properties of snow crystals and examines several prevalent numerical analysis models. It discusses the historical development of snow crystal morphology and summarizes the physical and mechanical properties of snow, such as density, particle gradation, liquid water content (LWC), modulus of elasticity, and deformation behavior under compression and shear. The review also encapsulates the most commonly referenced analytical models for snow ontological relationships, which are crucial for quantifying the microscale parameters of snow crystals and integrating them into macroscopic numerical simulations. Ultimately, this review seeks to deepen the understanding of the interplay between the microstructure and macroscopic behavior of snow crystals, providing theoretical support for refined ontological modeling of snow.