Quantitative Analysis of the Geometrically Representative Volume Element of the Yellow River’s Granular Ice Microstructure during the Freezing Period

As a naturally polycrystalline material, Yellow River ice exhibits complex mechanical properties that are closely related to its internal microstructure. To study the micromechanical of this ice, geometrically representative volume element (RVE) and method for determining it proposed. By observing quantifying trends in microstructural characteristics granular micro-numerical model is established. Based on calculations analyses randomness similarity across samples, dimensions geometric RVE quantitatively determined. The research shows representation 20–24 times larger than average grain ice. These results provide technique accurately study, at microscopic level, relationship between material each phase their macromechanical response. It also provides theoretical basis studying fracture failure mechanism multiple scales.