The Mechanical Properties of Single Crystals of Pure Ice

Abstract

Results obtained from tensile and compressive tests on pure ice single crystals at various temperatures down to −90°C are reported. At −50°C tensile creep tests give a continually increasing creep rate until fracture, as observed at higher temperatures. The stress dependence of the strain-rate is discussed. Fracture stress increases with decreasing temperature. Results from constant strain-rate compressive tests are compared with theoretical curves computed from Johnston’s (1962) theory of dislocation multiplication. A dislocation velocity of the order of 0.5×10⁻⁸ m s⁻¹ is deduced for ice at −50°C.