In this thesis, the mechanical properties of ice and dry snow as a class of granular materials are investigated through a series of experiments, analyses, and simulations. The primary focus is on understanding the intricate details of ice sintering, capillary bridge formation, and the behavior of snow under varying conditions.

The investigation into ice sintering reveals a formulation of the sintering force, considering temperature, pressing force, contact duration, and particle size during the primary sintering stage. The results indicate a nearly linear increase in sintering force with external pressing force, while dependency on contact duration and particle size follows a nonlinear power-law relationship. The temperature dependence of the sintering force is nonlinear, aligning with the Arrhenius equation. The ultimate tensile strength of ice and the axial stress concentration factor are identified as crucial factors in determining the sintering force. Additionally, observations near the melting point reveal the formation of a liquid bridge between contacted ice particles.

Moving on to capillary bridge formation, the experiments demonstrate the presence of a liquid bridge between an ice particle and a smooth (or rough) aluminum surface at controlled temperature conditions. The separation distance is found to be proportional to the cube root of the bridge volume, which decreases with decreasing temperature. Notably, for a rough surface, capillary bridge formation diminishes under the considered experimental conditions.

The significance of snow in various contexts prompts an exploration of its mechanical properties. Utilizing micro-computed tomography imaging and quasi-static mechanical loading, a methodology for mapping the density-dependent material properties of manufactured snow is established. The study investigates structural parameter variations during loading, revealing insights into the three-dimensional structure, relative density, and mechanical behavior of snow. Results from Burger’s model show an increasing trend in modulus and viscosity terms with density. Digital volume correlation aids in calculating full-field strain distribution, highlighting particle characteristics and changes in specific surface areas during loading.

Expanding the scope to natural snow, cutting-edge techniques like micro-tomography are integrated with traditional loading methods. Employing CT imaging and uniaxial compression tests, along with digital volume correlation, density-dependent material properties are analyzed. The study incorporates two snow samples, revealing density-dependent trends in modulus and viscosity terms. The results provide valuable insights into the non-homogeneous behavior of natural snow and contribute to fields such as glacier dynamics and avalanche prediction.

Finally, the discrete element method with a variable bond model is used to simulate the behavior of granular materials, specifically focusing on snow. The model incorporates temperature dependent cohesion and effectively captures the angle of repose and stress-strain behavior of snow.

In summary, this thesis presents an investigation into the mechanical properties of ice, capillary bridge formation, manufactured snow, natural snow, and granular materials, providing insights and contributing to the understanding of ice and snow in various environmental and engineering contexts.