A coupled model for solid deformation and gas leak flow

Abstract

Abstract From the viewpoint of interaction mechanics of solid and gas, a coupled mathematical model is presented for solid coal/rock‐mass deformation and gas leak flow in parallel deformable coal seams. Numerical solutions using the strong implicit procedure (SIP) method to the coupled mathematical model for double parallel coal seams are also developed in detail. Numerical simulations for the prediction of safety range using protection layer mining are performed with experimental data from a mine with potential danger of coal/gas outbursts. Analyses show that the numerical simulation results are consistent with the measured data on the spot. The coupled model shows a positive future for applications in a wide range of gas‐leak‐flow‐related problems in mining engineering, gas drainage engineering and mining safety engineering. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.