Abstract
The present work discusses the nuances of scaling and flow similarity to develop a 1/40th scale version of a longwall coal mine. Details on the geometric, kinematic, and dynamic scaling of the physical model are presented and discussed. This works also discusses using a 30% C \({\text{O}}_{2}\) – 70% He gas mixture as a surrogate for methane. It also presents the implications of various Reynolds numbers (ranging from 7,000 to 140,000) and rotation of the shearer drums in the dynamic representation of the airflow and gas mixtures in the physical scaled model.
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Acknowledgements
The financial support of the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH), under contract number 200-2017-94491, made this research possible. The CFD simulations were performed using the Colorado School of Mines “Wendian” High-Performance Computers.
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This journal paper is an updated and expanded version of the paper submitted to the 2021 North America Mine Ventilation Symposium (NAMVS) entitled Scaling and flow similarity considerations to develop a 1/40th scaled aerodynamic model of a longwall coal mine for methane hazards investigation.
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Pinheiro, H., Juganda, A., Sandoval, N. et al. Scaling and Flow Similarity Considerations to Develop a 1/40th Scale Aerodynamic Model of a Longwall Coal Mine for Methane Hazards Investigation. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration 39, 917–926 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-022-00564-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-022-00564-6