A numerical analysis of seasonal variability of the Young" s modulus E and ice flexural strength 6f is given on the basis of theoretical and experimental data, obtained in recent years. The calculations are made for 6 sea ice age gradations:10-30cm, 70-120 cm, 120-200 cm, 200-300 cm and > 300 cm. The effect of volumetric ice porosity (concentrations of salt inclusions) on seasonal variability of the Young" s modulus is shown and a comparison of calculated and experimental data is given. The data of seasonal variations of 6j calculated according to different methods is presented.
On the basis of these dependences one can in principal estimate seasonal variability of physical ice values, characterizing its behavior under load, including for example, the ice cover bearing capacity. Taking into account the increasing demands of engineering activity (which is connected with the organization of transportation under winter conditions and exploration of hydrocarbon resources in the Arctic shelf area, etc) we believe it is necessary on the basis of generalized data of theoretical and experimental studies of ice physical- mechanical properties, which have been collected in recent years to make a numerical analysis (and if there are sufficient observation series, a probabilistic analysis) of seasonal variability of some sea ice characteristics. Also it is desirable to condict the analysis in conjunction with the ice types (or its age gradations) in accordance with some commonly used ice classification and/or WMO Sea Ice Nomenclature so as after that to make a probabilistic estimation of ice physical-mechanical properties in specific areas, issuing corresponding maps.
To estimate seasonal variability of the Young" s modulus, let us use experimental and calculated data, characterizing particular dependences of this elasticity characteristics on both internal parameters and ice properties and external conditions.
