Variational Methods for Glacier Mechanics Problems
Open Access
- 1 January 1981
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Journal of Glaciology
- Vol. 27 (95) , 19-24
- https://doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000011199
Abstract
The object of the research is to determine whether direct methods from the calculus of variations can provide convenient approximate solutions of complex problems in glacier mechanics. The Ritz technique is used to minimize an appropriate functional. Coordinate functions obtained from a finite-element model are combined with a coordinate function that is the solution of a related problem. The finite-element coordinate functions make localized adjustments to the related solution. Solutions of two sample problems are presented. An analysis of the closure of an intergranular vein in ice at the melting point is based upon a variational principle for velocities. An analysis of the flow of ice in a cylindrical channel is based upon a variational principle for stresses.Keywords
This publication has 7 references indexed in Scilit:
- Water Flow in Glaciers: Jökulhlaups, Tunnels and VeinsJournal of Glaciology, 1976
- The local distribution of stress near a point of zero shear stress in a rectilinear flow fieldJournal of Glaciology, 1974
- The Effect of Non-Hydrostatic Stress on Intergranular Water Veins and Lenses in IceJournal of Glaciology, 1972
- The Flow of a Glacier in a Channel of Rectangular, Elliptic or Parabolic Cross-SectionJournal of Glaciology, 1965
- Some Variational Theorems for Non-Newtonian FlowPhysics of Fluids, 1960
- The distribution of stress and velocity in glaciers and ice-sheetsProceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A. Mathematical and Physical Sciences, 1957
- On the Sliding of GlaciersJournal of Glaciology, 1957