The mechanical properties of sea ice — A compilation of available data

Abstract

The mechanical properties of S2- and S3-type sea ice are reviewed. Strength and, in some cases, elastic moduli are presented for short-term loadings. The loadings considered are uniaxial tension and compression and multiaxial compression; annular tests as well as flexural and shear tests were also reported. The parameters that influence the values are also described. These are the grain diameter and orientation, loading rate, temperature, salinity, and density, as well as the size of the specimens and whether these are obtained in the field or are laboratory grown. The long-term mechanical properties are also presented. Creep laws or relaxation functions are given whenever available. The results of the compilation are presented in a tabulated form for each type of loading. A short discussion is also given for each mechanical property. Key words: sea ice mechanical properties, sea ice strength, sea ice modulus, sea ice creep, sea ice behaviour.