Strength of Bonds between Ice Grains after Short Contact Times

The tensile force required to break bonds between ice grains after short contact times (1–500 s) is measured as a function of temperature and contact pressure. The results indicate a sharp increase of the tensile load capacity of bonds alter short contact times near the melting point and a maximum rate of increase of the load capacity at −5 °C. The initial state or sintering is modelled, assuming viscous surface flow and plastic deformation as the main mechanisms.