Influence of physical and biogeochemical processes on the Mechanical properties of Antarctic Sea Ice

Abstract

Predictive computational models of Antarctic sea ice through metocean thermodynamics are used to determine sea ice extent and break up. These models are also used for input into climate models and for analysis of the effects upon ships and offshore structures (Feltham, 2008). However, these models need to be able to account not just for the thermodynamic fluxes occurring within the sea ice and ocean, but also the dynamic effects on the ice and its resultant fracture mechanics (Rampal et al., 2011). At present, there is a lack of data for the mechanical properties of sea ice within the Marginal Ice Zone (MIZ), which means it is not possible to calibrate and verify computational models.

Sea ice physical and mechanical properties vary greatly due to the meteorological and oceanic conditions experienced, as well as with time (Cox et al., 1984; Petrich and Eicken, 2010). The physical properties such as grain structure, temperature, salinity and brine volume results all affect the measured mechanical properties such as compressive strength, failure envelope, Elastic Modulus and Poisson’s ratio.

The unique contribution from a materials engineering approach is: 1. performing lab based experiments to calibrate/test the designed equipment's' suitability for the intended research. 2. the equipment will be used to investigate sea ice dynamics in a controlled and isolated approach (understand the influences of different variables on sea ice properties). This will be done with the reactors we have to make artificial sea ice. 3. use the acquired equipment to test the relevant sea ice properties in situ.