Risk assessment of rockburst using SMOTE oversampling and integration algorithms under GBDT framework

Rockburst is a common geological disaster in underground engineering,which seriously threatens the safety of personnel,equipment and property.Utilizing machine learning models to evaluate risk of rockburst is gradually becoming a trend.In this study,the integrated algorithms under Gradient Boosting Decision Tree(GBDT)framework were used to evaluate and classify rockburst intensity.First,a total of 301 rock burst data samples were obtained from a case database,and the data were preprocessed using synthetic minority over-sampling technique(SMOTE).Then,the rockburst evaluation models including GBDT,eXtreme Gradient Boosting(XGBoost),Light Gradient Boosting Machine(LightGBM),and Categorical Features Gradient Boosting(CatBoost)were established,and the optimal hyperparameters of the models were obtained through random search grid and five-fold cross-validation.Afterwards,use the optimal hyperparameter configuration to fit the evaluation models,and analyze these models using test set.In order to evaluate the performance,metrics including accuracy,precision,recall,and F1-score were selected to analyze and compare with other machine learning models.Finally,the trained models were used to conduct rock burst risk assessment on rock samples from a mine in Shanxi Province,China,and providing theoretical guidance for the mine's safe production work.The models under the GBDT framework perform well in the evaluation of rockburst levels,and the proposed methods can provide a reliable reference for rockburst risk level analysis and safety management.

Numerical simulation of microwave-induced cracking and melting of granite based on mineral microscopic models

This study introduces a coupled electromagnetic–thermal–mechanical model to reveal the mechanisms of microcracking and mineral melting of polymineralic rocks under microwave radiation.Experimental tests validate the rationality of the proposed model.Embedding microscopic mineral sections into the granite model for simulation shows that uneven temperature gradients create distinct molten,porous,and nonmolten zones on the fracture surface.Moreover,the varying thermal expansion coefficients and Young's moduli among the minerals induce significant thermal stress at the mineral boundaries.Quartz and biotite with higher thermal expansion coefficients are subjected to compression,whereas plagioclase with smaller coefficients experiences tensile stress.In the molten zone,quartz undergoes transgranular cracking due to theα–βphase transition.The local high temperatures also induce melting phase transitions in biotite and feldspar.This numerical study provides new insights into the distribution of thermal stress and mineral phase changes in rocks under microwave irradiation.

Performances of fissured red sandstone after thermal treatment with constant-amplitude and low-cycle impacts

In the engineering practices,it is increasingly common to encounter fractured rocks perturbed by temperatures and frequent dynamic loads.In this paper,the dynamic behaviors and fracture characteristics of red sandstone considering temperatures(25℃,200℃,400℃,600℃,and 800℃)and fissure angles(0°,30°,60°,and 90°)were evaluated under constant-amplitude and low-cycle(CALC)impacts actuated by a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar(SHPB)system.Subsequently,fracture morphology and second-order statistics within the grey-level co-occurrence matrix(GLCM)were examined using scanning electron microscopy(SEM).Meanwhile,the deep analysis and discussion of the mechanical response were conducted through the synchronous thermal analyzer(STA)test,numerical simulations,one-dimensional stress wave theory,and material structure.The multiple regression models between response variables and interactive effects of independent variables were established using the response surface method(RSM).The results demonstrate the fatigue strength and life diminish as temperatures rise and increase with increasing fissure angles,while the strain rate exhibits an inverse behavior.Furthermore,the peak stress intensification and strain rate softening observed during CALC impact exhibit greater prominence at increased fissure angles.The failure is dominated by tensile damage with concise evolution paths and intergranular cracks as well as the compressor-crushed zone which may affect the failure mode after 400℃.The second-order statistics of GLCM in SEM images exhibit a considerable dependence on the temperatures.Also,thermal damage dominated by thermal properties controls the material structure and wave impedance and eventually affects the incident wave intensity.The tensile wave reflected from the fissure surface is the inherent mechanism responsible for the angle effect exhibited by the fatigue strength and life.Ultimately,the peak stress intensification and strain rate softening during impact are determined by both the material structure and compaction governed by thermal damage and tensile wave.

Mechanical behavior of rock under uniaxial tension:Insights from energy storage and dissipation

Many rock engineering projects show that the growth of tensile cracks is often an important cause of engineering disasters,and the mechanical behavior of rocks is essentially the transmission,storage,dissipation and release of energy.To investigate the tensile behavior of rock from the perspective of energy,uniaxial tension tests(UTTs)and uniaxial compression tests(UCTs)were carried out on three typical rocks(granite,sandstone and marble).Different unloading points were set before the peak stress to separate elastic energy and dissipated energy.The input energy density ut,elastic energy density ue,and dissipated energy density ud at each unloading point were calculated by integrating stress-strain curves.The results show that there is a strong linear relationship between the three energy parameters and the square of the unloading stress in UCT,but this linear relationship is weaker in UTT.The ue and ud increase linearly with the increase in ut in UCT and UTT.Based on the phenomenon that ue and ud increase linearly with ut,the applicability of W_(et)^(p) index in UTT was proved and the relative energy storage capacity and absolute energy distribution characteristics of three rocks in UCT and UTT were evaluated.The tensile behavior of marble and sandstone in UTT can be divided into two stages vaguely according to the energy distribution,but granite is not the case.In addition,based on dissipated energy,the damage evolution of three types of rocks in UCT and UTT was discussed.This study provides some new insights for understanding the tensile behavior of rock.

Characteristic stress variation and microcrack evolution of granite subjected to uniaxial compression using acoustic emission methods

The size of mineral grain has a significant impact on the initiation and propagation of microcracks within rocks.In this study,fine-,medium-,and coarse-grained granites were used to investigate microcrack evolution and characteristic stress under uniaxial compression using the acoustic emission(AE),digital image correlation(DIC),and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)measurements.The experimental results show that the characteristic stress of each granite decreased considerably with increasing grain sizes.The inflection points of the b-value occurred earlier with an increase in grain sizes,indicating that the larger grains promote the generation and propagation of microcracks.The distribution characteristics of the average frequency(AF)and the ratio of rise time to amplitude(RA)indicate that the proportion of shear microcracks increases with increasing grain size.The NMR results indicate that the porosity and the proportion of large pores increased with increasing grain size,which may intensify the microcrack evolution.Moreover,analysis of the DIC and AE event rates suggests that the high-displacement regions could serve as a criterion for the degree of microcrack propagation.The study found that granites with larger grains had a higher proportion of high-displacement regions,which can lead to larger-scale cracking or even spalling.These findings are not only beneficial to understand the pattern of microcrack evolution with different grain sizes,but also provide guidance for rock monitoring and instability assessment.

Physical and numerical investigations of target stratum selection for ground hydraulic fracturing of multiple hard roofs

Ground hydraulic fracturing plays a crucial role in controlling the far-field hard roof,making it imperative to identify the most suitable target stratum for effective control.Physical experiments are conducted based on engineering properties to simulate the gradual collapse of the roof during longwall top coal caving(LTCC).A numerical model is established using the material point method(MPM)and the strain-softening damage constitutive model according to the structure of the physical model.Numerical simulations are conducted to analyze the LTCC process under different hard roofs for ground hydraulic fracturing.The results show that ground hydraulic fracturing releases the energy and stress of the target stratum,resulting in a substantial lag in the fracturing of the overburden before collapse occurs in the hydraulic fracturing stratum.Ground hydraulic fracturing of a low hard roof reduces the lag effect of hydraulic fractures,dissipates the energy consumed by the fracture of the hard roof,and reduces the abutment stress.Therefore,it is advisable to prioritize the selection of the lower hard roof as the target stratum.

Novel damage constitutive models and new quantitative identification method for stress thresholds of rocks under uniaxial compression

Four key stress thresholds exist in the compression process of rocks,i.e.,crack closure stress(σ_(cc)),crack initiation stress(σ_(ci)),crack damage stress(σ_(cd))and compressive strength(σ_(c)).The quantitative identifications of the first three stress thresholds are of great significance for characterizing the microcrack growth and damage evolution of rocks under compression.In this paper,a new method based on damage constitutive model is proposed to quantitatively measure the stress thresholds of rocks.Firstly,two different damage constitutive models were constructed based on acoustic emission(AE)counts and Weibull distribution function considering the compaction stages of the rock and the bearing capacity of the damage element.Then,the accumulative AE counts method(ACLM),AE count rate method(CRM)and constitutive model method(CMM)were introduced to determine the stress thresholds of rocks.Finally,the stress thresholds of 9 different rocks were identified by ACLM,CRM,and CMM.The results show that the theoretical stress−strain curves obtained from the two damage constitutive models are in good agreement with that of the experimental data,and the differences between the two damage constitutive models mainly come from the evolutionary differences of the damage variables.The results of the stress thresholds identified by the CMM are in good agreement with those identified by the AE methods,i.e.,ACLM and CRM.Therefore,the proposed CMM can be used to determine the stress thresholds of rocks.

Temperature dependence of mechanical properties and damage evolution of hot dry rocks under rapid cooling

Understanding the differences in mechanical properties and damage characteristics of granitoid under high temperatures is crucial for exploring deep geothermal resources.This study analyzes the evolution of the acoustic emission(AE)characteristics and mechanical parameters of granodiorite and granite after heating and water cooling by uniaxial compression and variable-angle shear tests under different temperature gradients.We identify their changes in mesostructure and mineral composition with electron probe microanalysis and scanning electron microscopy.Results show that these two hot dry rocks have similar diagenetic minerals and microstructure,but show significantly different mechanical and acoustic characteristics,and even opposing evolution trends in a certain temperature range.At the temperatures ranging from 100℃to 500℃,the compressive and shear mechanical properties of granodiorite switch repeatedly between weakening and strengthening,and those of granite show a continuous weakening trend.At 600℃,both rocks exhibit a deterioration of mechanical properties.The damage mode of granite is characterized by initiating at low stress,exponential evolutionary activity,and intensified energy release.In contrast,granodiorite exhibits the characteristics of initiating at high stress,volatile evolutionary activity,and intermittent energy release,due to its more stable microstructure and fewer thermal defects compared to granite.As the temperature increases,the initiation and propagation of secondary cracks in granodiorite are suppressed to a certain extent,and the seismicity and brittleness are enhanced.The subtle differences in grain size,microscopic heterogeneity,and mineral composition of the two hot dry rocks determine the different acoustic-mechanical characteristics under heating and cooling,and the evolution trends with temperature.These findings are of great significance for the scientific and efficient construction of rock mass engineering by rationally utilizing different rock strata properties.

Experimental study of the effects of a multistage pore-throat structure on the seepage characteristics of sandstones in the Beibuwan Basin:Insights into the flooding mode

To investigate the relationship between grain sizes, seepage capacity, and oil-displacement efficiency in the Liushagang Formation of the Beibuwan Basin, this study identifies the multistage pore-throat structure as a crucial factor through a comparison of oil displacement in microscopic pore-throat experiments. The two-phase flow evaluation method based on the Li-Horne model is utilized to effectively characterize and quantify the seepage characteristics of different reservoirs, closely relating them to the distribution of microscopic pores and throats. It is observed that conglomerate sandstones at different stages exhibit significant heterogeneity and noticeable differences in seepage capacity, highlighting the crucial role played by certain large pore throats in determining seepage capacity and oil displacement efficiency. Furthermore, it was found that the displacement effects of conglomeratic sandstones with strong heterogeneity were inferior to those of conventional homogeneous sandstone, as evidenced by multiple displacement experiments conducted on core samples with varying granularities and flooding systems. Subsequently, core-based experiments on associated gas flooding after water flooding were conducted to address the challenge of achieving satisfactory results in a single displacement mode for reservoirs with significant heterogeneity. The results indicate that the oil recovery rates for associated gas flooding after water flooding increased by 7.3%-16.4% compared with water flooding alone at a gas-oil ratio of approximately 7000 m^(3)/m^(3). Therefore, considering the advantages of gas flooding in terms of seepage capacity, oil exchange ratio, and the potential for two-phase production, gas flooding is recommended as an energy supplement mode for homogeneous reservoirs in the presence of sufficient gas source and appropriate tectonic angle. On the other hand, associated gas flooding after water flooding is suggested to achieve a more favorable development effect compared to a single mode of energy supplementation for strongly heterogeneous sandstone reservoirs.

Blasting induced dynamic stress concentration and failure characteristics of deep-buried rock tunnel

In this study,the dynamic stress concentration factors(DSCF)around a straight-wall arch tunnel(SWAT)were solved analytically utilizing the complex variable function methods and Duhamel’s integral.The effects of wavelength,incident angle,and blasting rising time on the DSCF distribution were analyzed.Theoretical results pointed out dynamic disturbances resulting in compressive stress concentration in the vertical direction and tensile stress in the incident direction.As the wavelength and rising time increased,there was a tendency for the amplitude of stress concentration to initially rise and then converge.Moreover,a series of 3D FEM models were established to evaluate the effect of different initial stress states on the dynamic failure of the tunnel surrounding rock.The results indicated that the failure of the surrounding rock was significantly influenced by the direction of the static maximum principal stress and the direction of the dynamic disturbance.Under the coupling of static and blasting loading,damage around the tunnel was more prone to occur in the dynamic and static stress concentration coincidence zone.Finally,the damage modes of rock tunnel under static stress and blasting disturbance from different directions were summarized and a proposed support system was presented.The results reveal the mechanisms of deep-buried rock tunnel destruction and dynamically triggered rockburst.

A novel box-counting method for quantitative fractal analysis of threedimensional pore characteristics in sandstone

Fractal theory offers a powerful tool for the precise description and quantification of the complex pore structures in reservoir rocks,crucial for understanding the storage and migration characteristics of media within these rocks.Faced with the challenge of calculating the three-dimensional fractal dimensions of rock porosity,this study proposes an innovative computational process that directly calculates the three-dimensional fractal dimensions from a geometric perspective.By employing a composite denoising approach that integrates Fourier transform(FT)and wavelet transform(WT),coupled with multimodal pore extraction techniques such as threshold segmentation,top-hat transformation,and membrane enhancement,we successfully crafted accurate digital rock models.The improved box-counting method was then applied to analyze the voxel data of these digital rocks,accurately calculating the fractal dimensions of the rock pore distribution.Further numerical simulations of permeability experiments were conducted to explore the physical correlations between the rock pore fractal dimensions,porosity,and absolute permeability.The results reveal that rocks with higher fractal dimensions exhibit more complex pore connectivity pathways and a wider,more uneven pore distribution,suggesting that the ideal rock samples should possess lower fractal dimensions and higher effective porosity rates to achieve optimal fluid transmission properties.The methodology and conclusions of this study provide new tools and insights for the quantitative analysis of complex pores in rocks and contribute to the exploration of the fractal transport properties of media within rocks.

Determination of the Pile Drivability Using Random Forest Optimized by Particle Swarm Optimization and Bayesian Optimizer

Driven piles are used in many geological environments as a practical and convenient structural component.Hence,the determination of the drivability of piles is actually of great importance in complex geotechnical applications.Conventional methods of predicting pile drivability often rely on simplified physicalmodels or empirical formulas,whichmay lack accuracy or applicability in complex geological conditions.Therefore,this study presents a practical machine learning approach,namely a Random Forest(RF)optimized by Bayesian Optimization(BO)and Particle Swarm Optimization(PSO),which not only enhances prediction accuracy but also better adapts to varying geological environments to predict the drivability parameters of piles(i.e.,maximumcompressive stress,maximum tensile stress,and blow per foot).In addition,support vector regression,extreme gradient boosting,k nearest neighbor,and decision tree are also used and applied for comparison purposes.In order to train and test these models,among the 4072 datasets collected with 17model inputs,3258 datasets were randomly selected for training,and the remaining 814 datasets were used for model testing.Lastly,the results of these models were compared and evaluated using two performance indices,i.e.,the root mean square error(RMSE)and the coefficient of determination(R2).The results indicate that the optimized RF model achieved lower RMSE than other prediction models in predicting the three parameters,specifically 0.044,0.438,and 0.146;and higher R^(2) values than other implemented techniques,specifically 0.966,0.884,and 0.977.In addition,the sensitivity and uncertainty of the optimized RF model were analyzed using Sobol sensitivity analysis and Monte Carlo(MC)simulation.It can be concluded that the optimized RF model could be used to predict the performance of the pile,and it may provide a useful reference for solving some problems under similar engineering conditions.

Effect of integration of mechanical ball milling and flue gas desulfurization gypsum on dealkalization of bauxite residue

The synergistic impact of mechanical ball milling and flue gas desulfurization(FGD)gypsum on the dealkalization of bauxite residue was investigated through integrated analyses of solution chemistry,mineralogy,and microtopography.The results showed a significant decrease in Na_(2)O content(>30 wt.%)of FGD gypsum-treated bauxite residue after 30 min of mechanical ball milling.Mechanical ball milling resulted in differentiation of the elemental distribution,modification of the minerals in crystalline structure,and promotion in the dissolution of alkaline minerals,thus enhancing the acid neutralization capacity of bauxite residue.5 wt.%FGD gypsum combined with 30 min mechanical ball milling was optimal for the dealkalization of bauxite residue.

Assessment and control of the mine tremor disaster induced by the energy accumulation and dispersion of thick-hard roofs

In order to solve the problem that current theory models cannot accurately describe thick-hard roof(THR)elastic energy and assess the mine tremor disasters,a theoretical method,a Timoshenko beam theory on Winkler foundation was adopted to establish the THR’s periodic breaking model.The superposition principle was used for this complex model to derive the calculation formulas of the elastic energy and impact load on hydraulic supports.Then,the influence of roof thickness h,cantilever length L_(1),and load q on THR’s elastic energy and impact load was analyzed.And,the effect of mine tremor disasters was assessed.Finally,it is revealed that:(1)The THR’s elastic energy U exhibits power-law variations,with the fitted relationships U=0.0096L_(1)^(3.5866^),U=5943.9h^(-1.935),and U=21.049q^(2).(2)The impact load on hydraulic supports F_(ZJ) increases linearly with an increase in the cantilever length,thickness,and applied load.The fitted relationships are F_(ZJ)=1067.3L_(1)+6361.1,F_(ZJ)=125.89h+15100,and F_(ZJ)=10420q+3912.6.(3)Ground hydraulic fracturing and liquid explosive deep-hole blasting techniques effectively reduce the THR’s cantilever length at periodic breakages,thus eliminating mine tremor disasters.

An Optimized System of Random Forest Model by Global Harmony Search with Generalized Opposition-Based Learning for Forecasting TBM Advance Rate

As massive underground projects have become popular in dense urban cities,a problem has arisen:which model predicts the best for Tunnel Boring Machine(TBM)performance in these tunneling projects?However,performance level of TBMs in complex geological conditions is still a great challenge for practitioners and researchers.On the other hand,a reliable and accurate prediction of TBM performance is essential to planning an applicable tunnel construction schedule.The performance of TBM is very difficult to estimate due to various geotechnical and geological factors and machine specifications.The previously-proposed intelligent techniques in this field are mostly based on a single or base model with a low level of accuracy.Hence,this study aims to introduce a hybrid randomforest(RF)technique optimized by global harmony search with generalized oppositionbased learning(GOGHS)for forecasting TBM advance rate(AR).Optimizing the RF hyper-parameters in terms of,e.g.,tree number and maximum tree depth is the main objective of using the GOGHS-RF model.In the modelling of this study,a comprehensive databasewith themost influential parameters onTBMtogetherwithTBM AR were used as input and output variables,respectively.To examine the capability and power of the GOGHSRF model,three more hybrid models of particle swarm optimization-RF,genetic algorithm-RF and artificial bee colony-RF were also constructed to forecast TBM AR.Evaluation of the developed models was performed by calculating several performance indices,including determination coefficient(R2),root-mean-square-error(RMSE),and mean-absolute-percentage-error(MAPE).The results showed that theGOGHS-RF is a more accurate technique for estimatingTBMAR compared to the other applied models.The newly-developedGOGHS-RFmodel enjoyed R2=0.9937 and 0.9844,respectively,for train and test stages,which are higher than a pre-developed RF.Also,the importance of the input parameters was interpreted through the SHapley Additive exPlanations(SHAP)method,and it was found that thrust force per cutter is the most important variable on TBMAR.The GOGHS-RF model can be used in mechanized tunnel projects for predicting and checking performance.

Unconfined compressive strength and failure behaviour of completely weathered granite from a fault zone

Understanding the strength characteristics and deformation behaviour of the tunnel surrounding rock in a fault zone is significant for tunnel stability evaluation.In this study,a series of unconfined compression tests were conducted to investigate the mechanical characteristics and failure behaviour of completely weathered granite(CWG)from a fault zone,considering with height-diameter(h/d)ratio,dry densities(ρd)and moisture contents(ω).Based on the experimental results,a regression mathematical model of unconfined compressive strength(UCS)for CWG was developed using the Multiple Nonlinear Regression method(MNLR).The research results indicated that the UCS of the specimen with a h/d ratio of 0.6 decreased with the increase ofω.When the h/d ratio increased to 1.0,the UCS increasedωwith up to 10.5%and then decreased.Increasingρd is conducive to the improvement of the UCS at anyω.The deformation and rupture process as well as final failure modes of the specimen are controlled by h/d ratio,ρd andω,and the h/d ratio is the dominant factor affecting the final failure mode,followed byωandρd.The specimens with different h/d ratio exhibited completely different fracture mode,i.e.,typical splitting failure(h/d=0.6)and shear failure(h/d=1.0).By comparing the experimental results,this regression model for predicting UCS is accurate and reliable,and the h/d ratio is the dominant factor affecting the UCS of CWG,followed byρd and thenω.These findings provide important references for maintenance of the tunnel crossing other fault fractured zones,especially at low confining pressure or unconfined condition.

In-situ measurement via the flow-through method and numerical simulations for radon exhalation during measurements of the radon exhalation rate

Small-scale measurements of the radon exhalation rate using the flow-through and closed-loop methods were conducted on the surface of a uranium tailing pond to better understand the differences between the two methods.An abnormal radon exhalation behavior was observed,leading to computational fluid dynamics(CFD)-based simulations in which dynamic radon migration in a porous medium and accumulation chamber was considered.Based on the in-situ experimental and numerical simulation results,variations in the radon exhalation rate subject to permeability,flow rate,and insertion depth were quantified and analyzed.The in-situ radon exhalation rates measured using the flow-through method were higher than those measured using the closed-loop method,which could be explained by the negative pressure difference between the inside and outside of the chamber during the measurements.The consistency of the variations in the radon exhalation rate between the experiments and simulations suggests the reliability of CFD-based techniques in obtaining the dynamic evolution of transient radon exhalation rates for diffusion and convection at the porous medium-air interface.The synergistic effects of the three factors(insertion depth,flow rate,and permeability)on the negative pressure difference and measured exhalation rate were quantified,and multivariate regression models were established,with positive correlations in most cases;the exhalation rate decreased with increasing insertion depth at a permeability of 1×10^(−11) m^(2).CFD-based simulations can provide theoretical guidance for improving the flow-through method and thus achieve accurate measurements.

Erosion wear at the bend of pipe during tailings slurry transportation:Numerical study considering inlet velocity,particle size and bend angle

Pipeline hydraulic transport is a highly efficient and low energy-consumption method for transporting solids and is commonly used for tailing slurry transport in the mining industry.Erosion wear(EW)remains the main cause of failure in tailings slurry pipeline systems,particularly at bends.EW is a complex phenomenon influenced by numerous factors,but research in this area has been limited.This study performs numerical simulations of slurry transport at the bend by combining computational fluid dynamics and fluid particle tracking using a wear model.Based on the validation of the feasibility of the model,this work focuses on the effects of coupled inlet velocity(IV)ranging from 1.5 to 3.0 m·s^(-1),particle size(PS)ranging from 50 to 650μm,and bend angle(BA)ranging from 45°to 90°on EW at the bend in terms of particle kinetic energy and incidence angle.The results show that the maximum EW rate of the slurry at the bend increases exponentially with IV and PS and first increases and then decreases with the increase in BA with the inflection point at 60°within these parameter ranges.Further comprehensive analysis reveals that the sensitivity level of the three factors to the maximum EW rate is PS>IV>BA,and when IV is 3.0 m/s,PS is 650μm,and BA is 60°,the bend EW is the most severe,and the maximum EW rate is 5.68×10^(-6)kg·m^(-2)·s^(-1).In addition,When PS is below or equal to 450μm,the maximum EW position is mainly at the outlet of the bend.When PS is greater than 450μm,the maximum EW position shifts toward the center of the bend with the increase in BA.Therefore,EW at the bend can be reduced in practice by reducing IV as much as possible and using small particles.

Combustion mechanism and control approaches of underground coal fires:a review

With the large-scale mining of coal resources,the huge economic losses and environmental problems caused by underground coal fires have become increasingly prominent,and the research on the status quo and response strategies of underground coal fires is of great significance to accelerate the green prevention and control of coal fires,energy conservation and emission reduction.In this paper,we summarized and sorted out the research status of underground coal fires,focused on the theoretical and technical issues such as underground coal fire combustion mechanism,multiphysics coupling effect of coal fire combustion,fire prevention and extinguishing technology for underground coal fires,and beneficial utilization technology,and described the latest research progress of the prevention and control for underground coal fire hazards.Finally,the key research problems in the field of underground coal fire hazards prevention and control were proposed in the direction of the basic theory,technology research,comprehensive management and utilization,with a view to providing ideas and solutions for the management of underground coal fires.

Multi-scale pore fractal characteristics of differently ranked coal and its impact on gas adsorption

Well-developed pores and cracks in coal reservoirs are the main venues for gas storage and migration.To investigate the multi-scale pore fractal characteristics,six coal samples of different rankings were studied using high-pressure mercury injection(HPMI),low-pressure nitrogen adsorption(LPGA-N2),and scanning electron microscopy(SEM)test methods.Based on the Frankel,Halsey and Hill(FHH)fractal theory,the Menger sponge model,Pores and Cracks Analysis System(PCAS),pore volume complexity(D_(v)),coal surface irregularity(Ds)and pore distribution heterogeneity(D_(p))were studied and evaluated,respectively.The effect of three fractal dimensions on the gas adsorption ability was also analyzed with high-pressure isothermal gas adsorption experiments.Results show that pore structures within these coal samples have obvious fractal characteristics.A noticeable segmentation effect appears in the Dv1and Dv2fitting process,with the boundary size ranging from 36.00 to 182.95 nm,which helps differentiate diffusion pores and seepage fractures.The D values show an asymmetric U-shaped trend as the coal metamorphism increases,demonstrating that coalification greatly affects the pore fractal dimensions.The three fractal dimensions can characterize the difference in coal microstructure and reflect their influence on gas adsorption ability.Langmuir volume(V_(L))has an evident and positive correlation with Dsvalues,whereas Langmuir pressure(P_(L))is mainly affected by the combined action of Dvand Dp.This study will provide valuable knowledge for the appraisal of coal seam gas reservoirs of differently ranked coals.