A preliminary numerical investigation of the micromechanics of snow compaction

TL;DRAbstract

A dynamic finite-element computer program was used to examine the evolution of microstructure and its effect on continuum-scale deformation for the constant-speed uniaxial-strain compaction of an aggregate of roughly spherical elastic-plastic particles. Simulation results are used to explain some micromechanical aspects of snow compaction. Different compaction rates were used to examine the limits of quasi-static response and the effects of inertial stresses. Four stages of microstructurally controlled compaction were observed for quasi-static loading: particle re-arrangement, elastic deformation and two stages of plastic deformation. Elastic deformation follows the first critical density caused by the stable random loose-particle packing of rough spheres. Stage III compaction occurs by plastic deformation once stresses acting on particles exceed yield. Stage IV compaction follows a second critical density caused by the stable packing of deformed particles and is also through plastic d

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