Wind tunnel tests on effect of relative humidity on the phenomenon of snow accretion

Abstract

The liquid water content of the snow is essential in wet snow accretion, and temperature and relative humidity significantly influence its properties. In particular, relative humidity is significant at the boundary condition between wet snow and dry snow in nature. In this study, the effect of the relative humidity on the properties of the snow accretion was investigated under the same snow quality and temperature conditions and at higher and lower humidity levels than the boundary value of relative humidity.

Results showed that the density of snow accretion was denser in the low humidity condition under strong wind. The snow accretion angle was larger in high humidity conditions, and the effect of relative humidity was smaller in high wind speeds. Surface hardness was higher in the low humidity condition, and the effect was more pronounced in the high wind speed condition. The impact load was calculated using the surface hardness, and the effect of relative humidity on the snow setting process was clarified. This study demonstrated the effects of relative humidity on snow accretion properties.