Tribology in Snow and Ice Environments

Snow and ice friction belong probably to the most complex tribological phenomena with ambiguities in understanding of the basic friction mechanisms. This is due to a myriad of influencing parameters, the unstable structure of snow and ice and the relatively vaguely understood properties of the interface that enables their low friction properties. In the last decade, new theoretical and experimental findings have challenged the existing theories and postulated a need for complete reformulation of the frameworks describing snow and ice friction. At present, novel hypotheses were put forward, which are supported by advanced analytical models and experimental procedures, but they are scattered throughout the literature.

This Research Topic on “Tribology in Snow and Ice Environments” intends to collect the last developments in the field, written by researchers who have contributed significantly to the characterization of the properties of snow and ice concerning their friction mechanisms. At the same time, the focus will be put on the development of materials intended for use under tribological loading in snow and ice environments.

Topics addressed in this Research Topic may include, but are not limited to:

• Tribological behavior of contacts operating under snow and ice conditions
• Tribomaterials for snow and ice conditions
• Snow and ice friction regimes
• Tribological aspects of winter sports
• Surface properties of snow and ice
• The nature of the liquid-like layer
• Experimental procedures for measurement of snow and ice properties
• Theoretical understanding of snow and ice friction mechanisms
• The history of snow and ice tribology