Dynamic tensile properties, deformation, and failure testing of impact-loaded coal samples with various water content

Disc coal samples with different water content were tested using the split Hopkinson press bar test system. Their dynamic tensile failure process was monitored via an ultra-high-speed digital image correlation system. The deformation trend and failure characteristics as a function of the water content were analyzed, and the water content effect on dynamic mechanical properties was investigated. The results demonstrated that the dynamic stress-strain curve of the coal samples consisted of four stages. As the water content increased, the coal sample brittleness degraded, while its ductility was enhanced. Quadratic polynomial functions can describe dynamic peak stress, peak strain, and loading pressure. Under different loading pressures, the dynamic peak stress exhibited a concave bending trend as the water content increased. The coal sample's dynamic tensile strength had a strong rate correlation, and the saturated coal sample exhibited the highest rate correlation. Under high-rate loading, the inertia effect and the Stefan effect of water in coal samples hinder the initiation and propagation of coal sample cracks, improving the coal sample's strength. The research results provide a basic theoretical basis for the prevention and control of rock burst in coal mines.