Pressure melting is the primary mechanism of ice skating.
The claim that pressure melting is the primary mechanism of ice skating is refuted by scientific literature. Instead, ice slipperiness is attributed to intrinsic surface properties such as the quasi-liquid layer and frictional heating.
The provided papers directly address the mechanics of ice skating and friction. Paper [0] explains that pressure melting cannot be the responsible mechanism due to physical constraints like compressive failure stress and insufficient film thickness. Paper [1] points toward liquid-like surface properties and frictional heating rather than pressure melting. Therefore, the claim is clearly refuted.
S. C. Colbeck. Pressure melting and ice skating. 1995. https://doi.org/10.1119/1.18028
Demonstrates that pressure melting alone cannot account for the low friction of ice because the required pressures exceed compressive failure stress and would yield extremely thin films.
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de Koning JJ, de Groot G, van Ingen Schenau GJ. Ice friction during speed skating.. 1992. https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9290(92)90099-m
Concludes from measurements and calculations that liquid-like surface properties (quasi-liquid layer) rather than pressure melting provide a reasonable explanation for low ice friction.
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