Weird ice

DN Staff

May 1, 2000

3 Min Read
Weird ice

Dear Design News:

I'm turning to you in the hope that your readers may be able to shed some light on a fluids-related phenomenon that occurs in my fridge/freezer combo at home (see photos). My theory is that a complete ice shell forms over the top of the ice cube compartment. The as-yet-unfrozen water underneath comes under compression, which allows it to remain liquid, though it may actually be at the temperature of the freezer (around 0F). This "super-cooled" water creates an aperture through which it is suddenly forced, instantly solidifying. What we are seeing is a "jet" of water, frozen in place.

But I could be wrong. So here are the parameters, should your readers wish to solve the mystery of the ice cube stalagmites:

1997 model fridge over freezer

Freezer set at 3 (a setting of 5 is coldest)

New, plastic ice cube tray (came with fridge)

City water to 1995 house

No evidence of water dripping from above (as is usual stalagmite formation)

Frequency of occurrence: 4-5 times in the last 2-3 years

The formations occur overnight or possibly more quickly

The accompanying images were taken several minutes apart.

Tray was transported from home to work for photo shoot, hence evidence of surface thawing

-Richard King, Designer, Accu-Fab Systems, Inc., Corvallis, OR

You got a solution?

If thermodynamics is your strong point, what are you waiting for? Send in your analysis of what's going on with Richard's weird ice (our associate art director has experienced the same thing!) by e-mail ([email protected] ) or snail mail (Weird Ice, Design News, 275 Washington St., Newton, MA 02458). We'll publish the most plausible, amusing, or witty entries in an upcoming issue of Design News.

You got a problem?

Losing sleep over why stalagmites are growing out of your ice cube tray or other weird stuff happening? Send us a photo (tif or jpeg) of the phenomenon, a description of the physical conditions associated with it, and your best guess on what you think is going on to [email protected]. If we publish it in an upcoming edition of Design News, you'll walk away with $50 and have 180,000 Design News readers working on a plausible scientific explanation for the phenomenon.

Headwork Answer: E

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