Item: A Phase-Tracking Snow Micro-Structure Model
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Title: A Phase-Tracking Snow Micro-Structure Model
Proceedings: Proceedings, 2012 International Snow Science Workshop, Anchorage, Alaska
Authors:
- Andrew E. Slaughter [ Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY ]
- Nicholas Zabaras [ Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY ]
Date: 2012
Abstract: Depending on the thermal conditions, snow metamorphoses via two processes: kinetic or equilibrium metamorphism. Kinetic growth occurs due to temperature gradients within the snow and results in faceted snow crystals. Equilibrium growth occurs in the absence of a gradient and results in rounded crystals. Generally, snow models are limited in their ability to model these micro-structural changes, especially in three dimensions, and rely on effective material properties. To enhance the tools available to avalanche researchers a new 3D finite element (FE) model capable of modeling snow metamorphism is being developed using techniques common for modeling phase transitions and crack propagation in alloy solidification. The FE model operates at the microstructural level and is capable of tracking vapor deposition and sublimation within the snow. This is accomplished using a level set approach that combines features of front-tracking and fixed domain methods. It incorporates adaptive meshing techniques to efficiently track heat and mass transport and includes micro-convection on the phase-change boundary. This work is the part of an ongoing research project that aims to demonstrate the ability to model snow at the micro-structural level and move away from the more common coarse, effective property modeling techniques. The model will also serve as the deterministic basis for a multi-scale, stochastic model of snow that will account for uncertainties such as poorly understood growth properties and measurement variability. Future applications may also include external forces, yielding a thermo-mechanical model that could evolve.
Object ID: issw-2012-395-397.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): unknown
Keywords: snow metamorphism, kinetic growth, thermistors
Page Number(s): 395-397
Subjects: avalanche fatalities thermal behavior
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