Cohesive element modeling of crack growth in a layered snowpack

A snow pack consists of weak layers embedded in strong layers. The interface bond between a weak layer and layers in between which it is sandwiched may not be strong and there may be regions that are not bonded. The stresses in the layers are due to self-weight of snow. The unbonded regions zones act as stress raisers from where propagation of crack can take place along the weak interface. Cohesive elements can be used to define the interface between the weak layers and strong layer. A finite element study using cohesive elements is performed to determine the length of crack and rate of crack propagation. A parametric study to determine the effects of length of initial crack, angle of slope on which snow is deposited, interface fracture properties and thickness of the weak layer on rate of crack propagation is also performed.