The objective of this study is to examine the mechanics and physics of cracking in single crystal and polycrystalline freshwater/saline ice, and develop the mechanics of fracture appropriate to interpreting these events in ice. The influence of loading rate, temperature, loading configuration, and microstructure are to be determined. The primary focus will be whether creep or plastic deformation leads to crack tip blunting in ice. To provide information on the role of the microstructure and the physics and mechanisms of fracture, an etch pits technique will be used as well as optical microcopy and the scanning electron microscope. The micromechanical and physical information, as well as petrographic tensile strength, flexural strength, fracture energy, fracture toughness, and compressive strength.//
