On Measuring Flexural Properties of Ice Using Cantilever Beams

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Tests have been performed on fine-grained, columnar, freshwater ice sheets 40 to 70 mm thick grown in a refrigerated model basin. Cantilever beams of various geometries were tested for lengths ranging from 200 to 2 000 mm and widths of 50 to 250 mm. Analysis of the results in terms of simple elastic beam theory indicated that modulus increased with increasing beam length and decreasing bean width. An analytical model for beam deflection was developed, taking into account the effects of buoyancy, shear, and rotation and deflection at the root. This model satisfactorily explained the observed deflection behaviour and the apparent geometry dependence of the modulus. Flexura! strength was independent of beam length, but decreased with increasing beam width. Flexural strength was independent of loading rate, whereas modulus decreased with increased loading time.