Numerical analysis of the interaction between hydraulic powered support and surrounding rock strata at Indian longwall faces

Abstract

Longwall mining is the only technically proven and established method worldwide for coal extraction at greater depth. In this paper, 2D plane strain finite element models of longwall panels are developed and analyzed to understand the interaction of hydraulic powered support with surrounding rock strata. Based on Indian geomining conditions, finite element models are developed including the structural components of hydraulic powered support (like hydraulic legs, canopy, gob shield, pin joints, base and lemniscate link), the surrounding rock mass and broken rocks (gob). The study is focused to evaluate the strata behaviour for different capacity of hydraulic powered supports those are installed in Indian longwall faces. Results obtained from finite element models are analyzed in terms of stress distribution in hydruaulic legs, abutment stresses and roof-to-floor convergence. Statistical relations between these output variables and geomining parameters are developed based on the data generated from finite element models and they are found to be correlated with the field measurements.