Investigating an Unexpected Ice Spike Formation

[OwtLyur]

Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone could shed some light on how this ice spike formed?

All I did was fill a 4" tall, 4" diameter plastic container with water and put it in a normal refridgerator freezer. I came back the next morning and found what you see in the photos.

I likely used deionized water but I don't remember this for sure. The freezer's temperature control was turned all the way down (the temperature of which I do not remember).



-ol

 

[pallidin]

This link may be of some help:

http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/icespikes/icespikes.htm

 

[tiny-tim]

Welcome to PF!

Hi OwtLyur! Welcome to PF!

See these threads …

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=273135"

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=457331"

 

[OwtLyur]

Hi,

Thanks again for the links. I had a similar thought as well.

I was confused a bit because of the change of state. I was unsure how the generating ice would effect the inner volume.

I worked in a lab where we froze DI water often. I did this for 5 years and this was the only time it happened. This ice spike measures about 3".


Anyway, thanks again!


-ol