A study of the compressive mechanical properties of defect-free, porous and sintered water-ice at low and high strain rates

The dynamic strength of distilled water ice, porous distilled water ice and sintered ice powder have been measured in uniaxial compression at a range of temperatures from 173 to 263 K and at strain rates in the range 103− s−1 to 10+3 s−1 using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) and an Instron mechanical testing machine. The peak compressive strength of ice as a function of density was found to be described by a linear relationship. The average peak compressive strength for high density ice was 49.5 ± 2.0 MPa. Low density (porous) ice was found to have a lower strength of 36.5 ± 1.9 MPa. Porous low density ice specimens also had a second peak in their stress-strain curves after failure which we attributed to the effect of internal flaws. The peak compressive strength of ice as a function of density was found to be described by a linear relationship. No effect of strain rate was discernable over the strain rate range investigated. Sintered ice powder with a density greater than 735 kg m−3 had an average peak compressive strength of 27.1 ± 1.7 MPa. Sintered ice powder with a density lower than 735 kg m−3 had a strength of 20.4 ± 1.1 MPa. •The dynamic strength of distilled water ice, porous distilled water ice and sintered ice powder have been measured in uniaxial compression at a range of temperatures from 173 to 263 K and at strain rates in the range 10−3 s−1 to 10+3 s−1 using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) and an Instron mechanical testing machine.•The peak compressive strength of ice as a function of density was found to be described by a linear relationship.•The average peak compressive strength for high density ice was 49.5 ± 2.0 MPa.•Low density (porous) ice was found to have a lower strength of 36.5 ± 1.9 MPa.•Porous low density ice specimens also had a second peak in their stress-strain curves after failure which we attributed to the effect of internal flaws.•The peak compressive strength of ice as a function of density was found to be described by a linear relationship.•No effect of strain rate was discernable over the strain rate range investigated.•Sintered ice powder with a density greater than 735 kg m−3 had an average peak compressive strength of 27.1 ± 1.7 MPa.•Sintered ice powder with a density lower than 735 kg m−3 had a strength of 20.4 ± 1.1 MPa.