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Multifield and Multiscale Coupling of Rocks in Deep Energy Exploitation

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "H: Geo-Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2022) | Viewed by 23984

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Guest Editor
James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
Interests: experimental rock mechanics and geomechanics; underground space utilization (caverns, tunnels); DEM modeling; python-based machine learning; geothermal energy; THMC coupling; underground mining

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Guest Editor
Shool of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China
Interests: rock mechanics; energy exploitation; deep engineering, coal burst prevention
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

During deep energy exploitation, the stability of rock is a key factor for its success. Rocks are composed of different internal structure at different scales. Both microstructures (such as minerals, porosity, and fractures,) and the geological environment (including such features as geostress and being underground) lead to an explosive complex coupling system. Multi-field and multi-scale coupling modeling provides a very powerful framework to understand the behavior of rocks in natural and engineered states incorporating theoretical, numerical, and experimental analysis.

The past few years have witnessed the advances and applications of multi-field and multi-scale coupling in rock mechanics and rock engineering. Multifield addresses the interaction of different physical behavior, as in pores, fractures, and fluids. Multiscale refers to the scale of rock mechanics and engineering and may range from the nano-scale to the meter scale for material characterization purposes, and to hundreds of kilometers for geological applications.

This Special Issue aims to provide a platform for publishing original articles and reviews on recent numerical and experimental advances and applications on multi-scale and multi-physics couplings in rock mechanics and engineering. We welcome high quality papers on theoretical developments, laboratory testing, field investigations, computational methods, and case studies.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

  • Multi-physics coupling theory involving thermal-hydraulic-mechanics coupling theory, seepage, and porous mechanics and hydraulic fracture
  • Experimental and site characterization including 3D printing, micro-CT scanning, heterogeneous and noncontinuous feature, in-situ testing & monitoring
  • Advanced multi-scale modelling methods such as discrete element modelling, peridynamics, mesh free method, micromechanical continuum models, fluid-solid coupling
  • Geosystem & engineering applications referring to slope stability, foundations, tunnelling, hydraulic engineering, environment geotechnical engineering

Dr. Junlong Shang
Dr. Chun Zhu
Prof. Dr. Manchao He
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • Stability and support of rock engineering 
  • Multi-scale modelling 
  • Multi-physics coupling theory 
  • Engineering applications

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Editorial

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6 pages, 184 KiB  
Editorial
Advances in Multifield and Multiscale Coupling of Rock Engineering
by Chun Zhu, Jiabing Zhang, Junlong Shang, Dazhong Ren and Manchao He
Energies 2023, 16(10), 4004; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en16104004 - 10 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 968
Abstract
In deep rock engineering, the stability of the rock is a key factor [...] Full article

Research

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14 pages, 3617 KiB  
Article
Study of the Stability of the Surface Perilous Rock in a Mining Area
by Lu Gao, Xiangtao Kang, Lin Gao and Zhenqian Ma
Energies 2022, 15(4), 1542; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15041542 - 19 Feb 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1397
Abstract
As a result of the mining of a C3 coal seam in a mine in Guizhou, perilous rock masses on the surface collapsed. In this study, the stability of perilous rock masses on the surface of the coal mine before and after mining [...] Read more.
As a result of the mining of a C3 coal seam in a mine in Guizhou, perilous rock masses on the surface collapsed. In this study, the stability of perilous rock masses on the surface of the coal mine before and after mining was calculated and examined, and the movement law of the overlying strata in the goaf, the movement and deformation law, and the failure mode of perilous rock were analyzed. This study provides a theoretical basis for the treatment of unstable rock and coal seam mining, and has important guiding significance for the safe and efficient production of the mine. The results show that: (1) The perilous rock is in a basically stable state without the influence of mining. Through theoretical analysis and the construction of the collapse model of perilous rock, it is judged that perilous rocks W1, W3, W4, and W7 were basically stable, perilous rocks W2 and W5 were in an unstable state, and perilous rock W6 was stable without heavy rainfall. (2) As a result of the mining of the C3 coal seam, the cracks in the upper strata began to develop to the surface, and the longitudinal separation cracks gradually appeared between the surface perilous rock and the rock matrix. Due to the existence of these cracks, the perilous rock had a downward shear force. In addition, due to the heavy rainfall in the Guizhou area, the transient saturated zone of perilous rock is expanding and the strength of perilous rock is reduced. The seepage increases the sliding force of the perilous rock and aggravates the opening of cracks at any time. (3) The stability of the surface perilous rock mass is largely affected by the mining of underground coal mines. The simulation analysis was repeated using the method of setting coal pillars. When 45 m permanent protection coal pillars are set at both ends, and 15 m local protection coal pillars are set at 60 m, the safety of coal mining can be ensured without affecting the surface and perilous rock. Full article
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19 pages, 7303 KiB  
Article
Investigation of the Energy Evolution of Tectonic Coal under Triaxial Cyclic Loading with Different Loading Rates and the Underlying Mechanism
by Deyi Gao, Shuxun Sang, Shiqi Liu, Jishi Geng, Tao Wang and Tengmin Sun
Energies 2021, 14(23), 8124; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14238124 - 03 Dec 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1392
Abstract
It is of great significance to ascertain the mechanical characteristics and deformation laws of tectonic coal that is under complex stress conditions for safe production, but the targeted research in this area is still insufficient at present. This paper performed triaxial tests under [...] Read more.
It is of great significance to ascertain the mechanical characteristics and deformation laws of tectonic coal that is under complex stress conditions for safe production, but the targeted research in this area is still insufficient at present. This paper performed triaxial tests under cyclic multi-level loading at different rates by using an MTS-815 Rock Mechanics Testing System. The strain characteristics, elastic modulus and energy evolution were obtained in order to explore the effects of the mechanism of loading rate on the evolution of deformation and energy parameters of tectonic coal. The results showed that the irreversible strain and plastic energy increased exponentially with the increase in the deviatoric stress, but the growth rate decreased with the increase in loading rate. Furthermore, the elastic strain increased linearly and the growth rate was essentially unaffected by the loading rate. During the compaction stage, the variation of each parameter was not sensitive to the loading rate; during the elastic and damage stage, the rate increase inhibited secondary defect propagation and improved rock strength. In addition, the stepwise and cumulative energy ratio was defined in order to describe the energy distribution during cyclic loading and unloading. It was found that the decrease in the loading rate was beneficial to the transformation of the total energy into plastic energy. The elastic modulus was the most sensitive to sample damage, but the energy density evolution was able to be used to describe the deformation damage process of tectonic coal in more detail. These findings provide important theoretical support for the tectonic coal deformation law and action mechanism in the damage process that occurs under complex stress conditions. Full article
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16 pages, 533 KiB  
Article
Two-Phase Flow Effects on Seismic Wave Anelasticity in Anisotropic Poroelastic Media
by Juan E. Santos, José M. Carcione and Jing Ba
Energies 2021, 14(20), 6528; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14206528 - 12 Oct 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1263
Abstract
We study the wave anelasticity (attenuation and velocity dispersion) of a periodic set of three flat porous layers saturated by two immiscible fluids. The fluids are very dissimilar in properties, namely gas, oil, and water, and, at most, three layers are required to [...] Read more.
We study the wave anelasticity (attenuation and velocity dispersion) of a periodic set of three flat porous layers saturated by two immiscible fluids. The fluids are very dissimilar in properties, namely gas, oil, and water, and, at most, three layers are required to study the problem from a general point of view. The sequence behaves as viscoelastic and transversely isotropic (VTI) at wavelengths much longer than the spatial period. Wave propagation causes fluid flow and slow P modes, inducing anelasticity. The fluids are characterized by capillary forces and relative permeabilities, which allow for the existence of two slow modes and the presence of dissipation, respectively. The methodology to study the physics is based on a finite-element uspcaling approach to compute the complex and frequency-dependent stiffnesses of the effective VTI medium. The results of the experiments indicate that there is higher dissipation and anisotropy compared to the widely used model based on an effective fluid that ignores the effects of surface tension (capillarity) and viscous flow interference between the two fluid phases. Full article
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17 pages, 15049 KiB  
Article
Experimental Investigation on Uniaxial Compression Mechanical Behavior and Damage Evolution of Pre-Damaged Granite after Cyclic Loading
by Jianhua Hu, Pingping Zeng, Dongjie Yang, Guanping Wen, Xiao Xu, Shaowei Ma, Fengwen Zhao and Rui Xiang
Energies 2021, 14(19), 6179; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14196179 - 28 Sep 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1339
Abstract
Failure behavior of pillars in deep mines is affected by various cyclic loads that cause initial pre-damage. Pillars will be further damaged and developed in the long-term compressive stress until they are destroyed. To reveal the strength characteristics and crack damage fracture laws [...] Read more.
Failure behavior of pillars in deep mines is affected by various cyclic loads that cause initial pre-damage. Pillars will be further damaged and developed in the long-term compressive stress until they are destroyed. To reveal the strength characteristics and crack damage fracture laws after rock pre-damage, uniaxial compression tests were carried out on granite specimens damaged by cyclic loading using the digital speckle correlation method. The experimental results indicate that the mechanical properties of pre-damaged specimens show large damage differences for different cycles. The damage variable of the pre-damaged specimens increases with the increase of cycle number and confining pressure. The damage of specimens is primarily due to the strength weakening effect caused by cycle numbers, and the confining pressure restriction effect is not obvious. The evolution laws of uniaxial compression damage propagation in the pre-damaged specimens show differences and obvious localization phenomenon. Pre-damaged specimens experienced three failure modes in the uniaxial compression test, namely tensile shear failure (Mode I), quasi-coplanar shear failure (Mode II), and stepped path failure (Mode III), and under different pre-damage stress environments with high confining pressures, the failure modes are dominated by Mode II and Mode III, respectively. Full article
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23 pages, 8611 KiB  
Article
Stabilization of Rock Roadway under Obliquely Straddle Working Face
by Peng Wang, Nong Zhang, Jiaguang Kan, Bin Wang and Xingliang Xu
Energies 2021, 14(18), 5759; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14185759 - 13 Sep 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1386
Abstract
A floor rock roadway under an oblique straddle working face is a typical dynamic pressure roadway. Under the complex disturbance of excavation engineering works, the roadway often undergoes stress concentration and severe deformation and damage. To solve the problem of surrounding rock stability [...] Read more.
A floor rock roadway under an oblique straddle working face is a typical dynamic pressure roadway. Under the complex disturbance of excavation engineering works, the roadway often undergoes stress concentration and severe deformation and damage. To solve the problem of surrounding rock stability control for this roadway type, this study considered the East Forth main transport roadway in the floor strata of the 1762(3) working face of the Pansan coal mine. In situ ground pressure monitoring and numerical simulation calculation using the FLAC2D software were carried out. The influence laws of the surrounding rock lithology, the vertical and horizontal distance between the roadway and overlying working face, the positional relationship between the roadway and the overlying working face, and the support form and strength of the rock surrounding an oblique straddle roadway were obtained. Within the range of mining influence, the properties of the rock surrounding the roof and floor were very different, and the deformation of the rock surrounding the two sides exhibited regional difference. The influence range of the mining working face on the rock floor of the roadway was approximately 30–40 m, and that of horizontal mining was approximately 50–60 m. The mining influence on the rock surrounding the side roadway of the working face is large, but the mining influence on the roadway below is small. Using FLAC2D, the stress and displacement characteristics of the rock surrounding the obliquely straddle roadway were compared and analyzed when the bolt support, combined bolt and shed support, and bolt–shotcreting–grouting support were adopted, the proposed support scheme of bolting and shotcreting was successfully applied. The deformation of the rock surrounding the roadway was satisfactorily controlled, and the results were useful as a reference for similar roadway maintenance projects. Full article
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15 pages, 9868 KiB  
Article
Research on Strong Ground Pressure of Multiple-Seam Caused by Remnant Room Pillars Undermining in Shallow Seams
by Dan Yu, Xiaoyong Yi, Zhimeng Liang, Jinfu Lou and Weibing Zhu
Energies 2021, 14(17), 5221; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14175221 - 24 Aug 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1541
Abstract
Numerous room-and-pillar mining goaf are apparent in western China due to increasing small coal mining activities, which causes the collapse of the overlying coal pillars and the occurrence of strong ground pressure on the longwall face and surface subsidence. In this study, Yuanbao [...] Read more.
Numerous room-and-pillar mining goaf are apparent in western China due to increasing small coal mining activities, which causes the collapse of the overlying coal pillars and the occurrence of strong ground pressure on the longwall face and surface subsidence. In this study, Yuanbao Bay Coal Mine, Shuozhou, Shanxi, was selected to study the collapse of the overlying coal pillars on the longwall face and reveal the mechanism of the pillar collapse and the disaster-causing mechanism caused by strong ground pressure. Results show that the dynamic collapse process of coal pillars is relatively complicated. First, the coal pillars on both sides of the goaf are destroyed and destabilized, followed by the adjacent coal pillars, which eventually cause a large-scale collapse of the coal pillars. This results in a large-scale cut-off movement of the overlying strata, and the large impact load that acts on the longwall face causes an unmovable longwall face support. Moreover, the roof weighting is severe when strong ground pressure occurs on the longwall face, causing local support jammed accidents. Furthermore, the data of each measurement point of the strata movement inside the ground borehole significantly increases, and the position of the borescope peeping error holes in the ground drill hole rise steeply. The range of movement of the overlying strata increases instantaneously, and the entire strata begin to move. Research on the mechanism of strong ground pressure can effectively prevent mine safety accidents and avoid huge economic losses. Full article
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18 pages, 5005 KiB  
Article
Experimental Investigation of the Dynamic Tensile Properties of Naturally Saturated Rocks Using the Coupled Static–Dynamic Flattened Brazilian Disc Method
by Xinying Liu, Feng Dai, Yi Liu, Pengda Pei and Zelin Yan
Energies 2021, 14(16), 4784; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14164784 - 06 Aug 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 1874
Abstract
In a naturally saturated state, rocks are likely to be in a stress field simultaneously containing static and dynamic loads. Since rocks are more vulnerable to tensile loads, it is significant to characterize the tensile properties of naturally saturated rocks under coupled static–dynamic [...] Read more.
In a naturally saturated state, rocks are likely to be in a stress field simultaneously containing static and dynamic loads. Since rocks are more vulnerable to tensile loads, it is significant to characterize the tensile properties of naturally saturated rocks under coupled static–dynamic loads. In this study, dynamic flattened Brazilian disc (FBD) tensile tests were conducted on naturally saturated sandstone under static pre-tension using a modified split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) device. Combining high-speed photographs with digital image correlation (DIC) technology, we can observe the variation of strain applied to specimens’ surfaces, including the central crack initiation. The experimental results indicate that the dynamic tensile strength of naturally saturated specimens increases with an increase in loading rate, but with the pre-tension increases, the dynamic strength at a certain loading rate decreases accordingly. Moreover, the dynamic strength of naturally saturated sandstone is found to be lower than that of natural sandstone. The fracture behavior of naturally saturated and natural specimens is similar, and both exhibit obvious tensile cracks. The comprehensive micromechanism of water effects concerning the dynamic tensile behavior of rocks with static preload can be explained by the weakening effects of water on mechanical properties, the water wedging effect, and the Stefan effect. Full article
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16 pages, 4071 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Perforation Spacing on the Variation of Stress Shadow
by Weige Han, Zhendong Cui and Zhengguo Zhu
Energies 2021, 14(13), 4040; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14134040 - 04 Jul 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2100
Abstract
When the shale gas reservoir is fractured, stress shadows can cause reorientation of hydraulic fractures and affect the complexity. To reveal the variation of stress shadow with perforation spacing, the numerical model between different perforation spacing was simulated by the extended finite element [...] Read more.
When the shale gas reservoir is fractured, stress shadows can cause reorientation of hydraulic fractures and affect the complexity. To reveal the variation of stress shadow with perforation spacing, the numerical model between different perforation spacing was simulated by the extended finite element method (XFEM). The variation of stress shadows was analyzed from the stress of two perforation centers, the fracture path, and the ratio of fracture length to spacing. The simulations showed that the reservoir rock at the two perforation centers is always in a state of compressive stress, and the smaller the perforation spacing, the higher the maximum compressive stress. Moreover, the compressive stress value can directly reflect the size of the stress shadow effect, which changes with the fracture propagation. When the fracture length extends to 2.5 times the perforation spacing, the stress shadow effect is the strongest. In addition, small perforation spacing leads to backward-spreading of hydraulic fractures, and the smaller the perforation spacing, the greater the deflection degree of hydraulic fractures. Additionally, the deflection angle of the fracture decreases with the expansion of the fracture. Furthermore, the perforation spacing has an important influence on the initiation pressure, and the smaller the perforation spacing, the greater the initiation pressure. At the same time, there is also a perforation spacing which minimizes the initiation pressure. However, when the perforation spacing increases to a certain value (the result of this work is about 14 m), the initiation pressure will not change. This study will be useful in guiding the design of programs in simultaneous fracturing. Full article
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17 pages, 5883 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Behaviors of Granite after Thermal Shock with Different Cooling Rates
by Peng Xiao, Jun Zheng, Bin Dou, Hong Tian, Guodong Cui and Muhammad Kashif
Energies 2021, 14(13), 3721; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14133721 - 22 Jun 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 1993
Abstract
During the construction of nuclear waste storage facilities, deep drilling, and geothermal energy development, high-temperature rocks are inevitably subjected to thermal shock. The physical and mechanical behaviors of granite treated with different thermal shocks were analyzed by non-destructive (P-wave velocity test) and destructive [...] Read more.
During the construction of nuclear waste storage facilities, deep drilling, and geothermal energy development, high-temperature rocks are inevitably subjected to thermal shock. The physical and mechanical behaviors of granite treated with different thermal shocks were analyzed by non-destructive (P-wave velocity test) and destructive tests (uniaxial compression test and Brazil splitting test). The results show that the P-wave velocity (VP), uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), elastic modulus (E), and tensile strength (st) of specimens all decrease with the treatment temperature. Compared with air cooling, water cooling causes greater damage to the mechanical properties of granite. Thermal shock induces thermal stress inside the rock due to inhomogeneous expansion of mineral particles and further causes the initiation and propagation of microcracks which alter the mechanical behaviors of granite. Rapid cooling aggravates the damage degree of specimens. The failure pattern gradually transforms from longitudinal fracture to shear failure with temperature. In addition, there is a good fitting relationship between P-wave velocity and mechanical parameters of granite after different temperature treatments, which indicates P-wave velocity can be used to evaluate rock damage and predict rock mechanical parameters. The research results can provide guidance for high-temperature rock engineering. Full article
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25 pages, 12641 KiB  
Article
Research on the Evolution and Damage Mechanism of Normal Fault Based on Physical Simulation Experiments and Particle Image Velocimetry Technique
by Xianfeng Peng, Hucheng Deng, Jianhua He, Hongde Chen and Yeyu Zhang
Energies 2021, 14(10), 2825; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14102825 - 14 May 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1405
Abstract
The formation and evolution of (normal) fault affect the formation and preservation of some reservoirs, such as fault-block reservoirs and faulted reservoirs. Strain energy is one of the parameters describing the strength of tectonic activity. Thus, the formation and evolution of normal fault [...] Read more.
The formation and evolution of (normal) fault affect the formation and preservation of some reservoirs, such as fault-block reservoirs and faulted reservoirs. Strain energy is one of the parameters describing the strength of tectonic activity. Thus, the formation and evolution of normal fault can be studied by analyzing the variation of strain energy in strata. In this work, we used physical simulation to study the formation and evolution of normal fault from a strain energy perspective. Based on the similarity principle, we designed and conducted three repeated physical simulation experiments according to the normal fault in the Yanchang Formation of Jinhe oilfield, Ordos Basin, China, and obtained dip angle, fault displacement, and strain energy via the velocity profile recorded by high-resolution Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). As a result, the strain energy is mainly released in the normal fault line zone, and can thus serve as channels for oil/gas migration and escape routes connecting to the earth’s surface, destroying the already formed oil/gas reservoirs. One might need to avoid drilling near the fault line. Besides, a significant amount of strain energy remaining in the hanging wall is the reason why the normal fault continues to evolve after the normal fault formation until the antithetic fault forms. Our findings provide important insights into the formation and evolution of normal fault from a strain energy perspective, which plays an important role in the oil/gas exploration, prediction of the shallow-source earthquake, and post-disaster reconstruction site selection. Full article
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24 pages, 3803 KiB  
Article
Stage Division of Landslide Deformation and Prediction of Critical Sliding Based on Inverse Logistic Function
by Liulei Bao, Guangcheng Zhang, Xinli Hu, Shuangshuang Wu and Xiangdong Liu
Energies 2021, 14(4), 1091; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14041091 - 19 Feb 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2096
Abstract
The cumulative displacement-time curve is the most common and direct method used to predict the deformation trends of landslides and divide the deformation stages. A new method based on the inverse logistic function considering inverse distance weighting (IDW) is proposed to predict the [...] Read more.
The cumulative displacement-time curve is the most common and direct method used to predict the deformation trends of landslides and divide the deformation stages. A new method based on the inverse logistic function considering inverse distance weighting (IDW) is proposed to predict the displacement of landslides, and the quantitative standards of dividing the deformation stages and determining the critical sliding time are put forward. The proposed method is applied in some landslide cases according to the displacement monitoring data and shows that the new method is effective. Moreover, long-term displacement predictions are applied in two landslides. Finally, summarized with the application in other landslide cases, the value of displacement acceleration, 0.9 mm/day2, is suggested as the first early warning standard of sliding, and the fitting function of the acceleration rate with the volume or length of landslide can be considered the secondary critical threshold function of landslide failure. Full article
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17 pages, 4629 KiB  
Article
A Novel Procedure for Coupled Simulation of Thermal and Fluid Flow Models for Rough-Walled Rock Fractures
by Feng Xiong, Chu Zhu and Qinghui Jiang
Energies 2021, 14(4), 951; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14040951 - 11 Feb 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1573
Abstract
An enhanced geothermal system (EGS) proposed on the basis of hot dry rock mining technology has become a focus of geothermal research. A novel procedure for coupled simulation of thermal and fluid flow models (NPCTF) is derived to model heat flow and thermal [...] Read more.
An enhanced geothermal system (EGS) proposed on the basis of hot dry rock mining technology has become a focus of geothermal research. A novel procedure for coupled simulation of thermal and fluid flow models (NPCTF) is derived to model heat flow and thermal energy absorption characteristics in rough-walled rock fractures. The perturbation method is used to calculate the pressure and flow rate in connected wedge-shaped cells at pore-scale, and an approximate analytical solution of temperature distribution in wedge-shaped cells is obtained, which assumes an identical temperature between the fluid and fracture wall. The proposed method is verified in Barton and Choubey (1985) fracture profiles. The maximum deviation of temperature distribution between the proposed method and heat flow simulation is 13.2% and flow transmissivity is 1.2%, which indicates the results from the proposed method are in close agreement with those obtained from simulations. By applying the proposed NPCTF to real rock fractures obtained by a 3D stereotopometric scanning system, its performance was tested against heat flow simulations from a COMSOL code. The mean discrepancy between them is 1.51% for all cases of fracture profiles, meaning that the new model can be applicable for fractures with different fracture roughness. Performance analysis shows small fracture aperture increases the deviation of NPCTF, but this decreases for a large aperture fracture. The accuracy of the NPCTF is not sensitive to the size of the mesh. Full article
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16 pages, 8115 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on Infrared Temperature Characteristics and Failure Modes of Marble with Prefabricated Holes under Uniaxial Compression
by Yanyan Peng, Qunchao Lin, Manchao He, Chun Zhu, Haijiang Zhang and Pengfei Guo
Energies 2021, 14(3), 713; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14030713 - 30 Jan 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1621
Abstract
In rock engineering, it is of great significance to study the failure mechanical behavior of rocks with holes. Using a combination of experiment and infrared detection, the strength, deformation, and infrared temperature evolution behavior of marble with elliptical holes under uniaxial compression were [...] Read more.
In rock engineering, it is of great significance to study the failure mechanical behavior of rocks with holes. Using a combination of experiment and infrared detection, the strength, deformation, and infrared temperature evolution behavior of marble with elliptical holes under uniaxial compression were studied. The test results showed that as the vertical axis b of the ellipse increased, the peak intensity first decreased and then increased, and the minimum value appeared when the horizontal axis was equal to the vertical axis. The detection results of the infrared thermal imager showed that the maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and average temperature of the observation area in the loading stage showed a downward trend, and the range of change was between 0.02 °C and 1 °C. It was mainly due to the accumulation of energy in the loading process of the rock sample that caused the surface temperature of the specimen to decrease. In the brittle failure stage, macroscopic cracks appeared on the surface of the rock sample, which caused the energy accumulated inside to dissipate, thereby increasing the maximum temperature and average temperature of the rock sample. The average temperature increase was about 0.05 °C to about 0.19 °C. The evolution of infrared temperature was consistent with the mechanical characteristics of rock sample failure, indicating that infrared thermal imaging technology can provide effective monitoring for the study of rock mechanics. The research in this paper provides new ideas for further research on the basic characteristics of rock failure under uniaxial compression. Full article
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