Stress accumulation by confined ice in a temperature gradient.

ABSTRACT: When materials freeze, they often undergo damage due to ice growth. Although this damage is commonly ascribed to the volumetric expansion of water upon freezing, it is usually driven by the flow of water toward growing ice crystals that feeds their growth. The freezing of this additional water can cause a large buildup of stress. Here, we demonstrate a technique for characterizing this stress buildup with unprecedented spatial resolution. We create a stable ice-water interface in a controlled temperature gradient and measure the deformation of the confining boundary. Analysis of the deformation field reveals stresses applied to the boundary with [Formula: see text](micrometers) spatial resolution. Globally, stresses increase steadily over time as liquid water is transported to more deeply

SUBMITTER: Gerber D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9351533 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature