Mechanical properties of the snow

Depends primarily on crystal type

o Squares

  • Poor bonding, low cohesion
  • Weak structural properties
  • Compaction makes little difference

o Rounds

  • Elastic properties

    • Limited ability to recover from compression
    • Strain softening - not a Hooke's law spring
    • Beyond the interior maximum
      • Strain is relieved by elongation
      • Snow won't indefinitely elongate --> fracture

  • Viscoelastic material

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