Modeling a fluid to solid phase transition in snow weak-layers. Application to slab avalanche release

Francois Louchet

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arXiv · 1504.01530

Modeling a fluid to solid phase transition in snow weak-layers. Application to slab avalanche release

Francois Louchet

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Abstract

Snow slab avalanche release usually results from failure of weak layers made of loose ice crystals. In previous field experiments, we evidenced for the first time an interesting stress-driven transition in the weak layer between a granular fluid and a solid phase. We propose here an original model involving the kinetics of ice grains bonds failure and reconstruction. The model evidences a sudden transition between two drastically different types of weak layer behaviors. It accounts for the characteristics of both the studied fluid-solid transition and for slab avalanche release observations. It may possibly apply to a number of other granular materials.

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Francois Louchet. 2015-04-07. Modeling a fluid to solid phase transition in snow weak-layers. Application to slab avalanche release. https://arxiv.org/abs/1504.01530

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