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Ice Sintering by Sublimation and Condensation.
Menno Demmenie1,2, Sander Woutersen2, Daniel Bonn1
1Institute of Physics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Ice sintering primarily occurs via sublimation and condensation, driven by vapor-phase mass transfer. This research clarifies long-standing controversies surrounding ice sintering mechanisms under equilibrium conditions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
- Geophysics
Background:
- The sintering behavior of ice has been debated for over 160 years.
- Previous research faced confusion due to incorrect growth rate exponents, experimental challenges, and flawed comparisons with snow densification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the primary mechanisms of mass transport during ice sintering under equilibrium conditions.
- To resolve long-standing controversies regarding ice sintering behavior.
Main Methods:
- Investigated ice sintering under controlled equilibrium conditions.
- Analyzed mass transfer mechanisms, focusing on vapor phase transport.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that ice sintering under equilibrium conditions proceeds mainly through sublimation and condensation.
- Identified vapor-phase mass transfer, driven by neck curvature-induced volatility, as the key mechanism.
- Findings align with the healing of micro-scale scratches in ice.
Conclusions:
- Sublimation and condensation are the dominant processes in equilibrium ice sintering.
- Vapor transport is the principal mode of mass transfer, resolving historical debate.
- The study provides a clear understanding of ice sintering applicable to phenomena like scratch healing.
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