The Use of the Finite Element Method for Ensuring Efficient and Safe Extraction of Minerals

Abstract

The development of mineral resources requires predicting its possible impact on the undermined rock mass. The aim of this work is to ensure safe and efficient extraction and minimization of losses. This article considers the problem of formation of water conducting fracture zones in terms of its predictability using the finite elements method.

Research on the Distribution of Overlying Rock Fractures Caused by Mining in Ultra-Thick Coal Seams and Its Impact on the Near-Surface Aquifer

“…The key to the accuracy of the simulation results lies in the establishment of constitutive equations that reflect the evolution of the rock continuum-discrete. At present, scholars widely base their views on the "continuum assumption", using finite element and finite difference methods, through the ideal elastoplastic model [15]; the strain softening plastic model [16]; the plastic model considering the influence of confining pressure on the subsequent yield function [17]; the elastic-plastic damage model [18] based on the shear strength criteria, such as Mohr-Coulomb and Mises shear strength [19,20]; strain energy [21]; and damage variables [22], as criteria, according to the plastic zone, the damage zone, and the energy zone, determined by the boundary of the water-conducting fracture zone. In addition, based on the assumption of discrete blocks, most scholars use the discrete element method to simplify the coal rock matrix into rectangular blocks or spheres and endow it with elastic or rigid mechanical properties, while the joints between matrices often adopt the Coulomb slip model [23,24], according to Newton's second law, Numerical simulation is an important method to study the fractures from mining overlying rocks.…”