A Basic Thermodynamic Derivation of the Maximum Overburden Pressure Generated in Frost Heave

Abstract

I describe a simple heat-engine derivation of the maximum overburden pressure that can be generated in frost heave. The method stems from the fact that useful work can, in principle, be extracted from the forces generated by an advancing solidification front via the frost heave mechanism. Using an idealized frost heave engine, together with the maximum thermodynamic efficiency of any heat engine, one can derive the maximum overburden pressure. A similar argument can also produce the maximum thermodynamic buoyancy force on a foreign object within a solid surrounded by a premelted layer.