Indentation Behaviour of Interlocked Structures Made of Ice: Influence of the Friction Coefficient

Planar assemblies of osteomorphic blocks made of ice have been tested in indentation loading. The interlocked structure is shown to dissipate mechanical energy much more efficiently than a similar monolithic plate. The friction coefficient between the blocks is varied by changing the testing temperature. It is found that an increase of the friction coefficient leads to a decrease of the dissipation energy.