A Theory of Premelting Dynamics for all Power Law Forces

Abstract

We present a new theory for premelting dynamics valid for all power law interfacial free energies, and reexamine recent frost heave dynamics experiments in light of the predictions. We find a family of similarity solutions and examine a subset relevant to several types of interaction. The experimental frost heave data are best described in terms of an electrostatic interfacial free energy. The results are generally important in the dynamics of wetting under interfacial interactions.