Influence of age-hardening and strain-rate on confined compression and shear behaviour of snow

The problem of assessing mobility performance of tracked or wheeled vehicles over snow is addressed in terms of the capability of the snow to provide flotation and traction capabilities. To obtain input into analyses for energy transfer from the traction element to the supporting snow cover, it is necessary to describe confined compression and shear performances of the snow—recognizing that a large density increase occurs under initial attack of the vehicle traction element. This study provides experimental input and diagrams of energy surfaces describing confined compressive and shear effects related to snow age and initial density.