Proposition of a net-like model of snow

Abstract

Thin-section photographs show that snow consists of lumpy parts and connecting branches. The model proposed here agrees with this real state. This new model is derived from four packing forms of isometric spheres by shrinking the original spheres while maintaining and connecting points of contact as a column. The texture of the model can be varied by setting the packing form, the shrinking ratio and the thickness of connecting branches. When the density and strength of the material of the model are set to the values of polycrystalline ice, the model density and tensile strength agree with published data for dry compacted snow.