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

TL;DR

This paper presents a thermodynamic derivation of the maximum overburden pressure in frost heave using a heat-engine analogy, providing a fundamental limit based on thermodynamic efficiency.

Contribution

It introduces a simple heat-engine framework to derive the maximum frost heave pressure, linking thermodynamics with geophysical processes.

Findings

Derives maximum overburden pressure from thermodynamic principles.

Establishes a fundamental limit based on heat engine efficiency.

Connects frost heave mechanics with thermodynamic buoyancy forces.

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.