The effect of dissolved impurities on the mechanical properties of ice crystals

Abstract

Abstract The results obtained from experiments on the mechanical properties of single crystals of ice doped with several impurities are presented. At −70°C, small amounts of dissolved hydrogen flouride (HF) have a pronounced softening effect, ammonia (NH3) produces a slight hardening, and ammonium fluoride (NH4F) has no apparent effect. These results are discussed in terms of Glen's (1968) theory of dislocation movement in ice crystals and a possible explanation of the results is offered.