Numerical simulation of failure in a layered thin snowpack under skier load

Author： Mahajan P. Kalakuntla R. Chandel C.

Publisher： International Glaciological Society

ISSN： 1727-5644

Source： Annals of Glaciology, Vol.51, Iss.54, 2010-05, pp. : 169-175

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Abstract

Fracture initiation and propagation in a snowpack due to compressive and shear loads, generated by the self-weight of the snow and a skier, is modeled. The snowpack has three layers, with a weak layer sandwiched between two strong layers. The height of the snowpack above the weak layer is such that failure occurs only because of additional stresses generated by the skier. A static analysis is performed to determine stresses due to the self-weight of snow, followed by an explicit dynamic analysis to determine additional stresses and subsequent failure due to skier load. The failure is either due to interface crack growth or due to middle-layer failure accompanied by slope-normal displacements. The former is modeled using cohesive elements, while a softening stress–displacement relation is used for the latter. Both mechanisms are active in the snowpack, although one may be predominant depending on slope angle, shear strength and interface energy.