Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 28, 2026

A Uniaxial Compression Experiment with CO2-Bearing Coal Using a Visualized and Constant-Volume Gas-Solid Coupling Test System
Published on: June 12, 2019
Radon migration and hazard assessment in coal mine: Effects of mining-induced fracturing and coal spontaneous
Zhiyu Zhang1, Hemeng Zhang2, Ke Gao3
1College of Safety Science and Engineering, Liaoning Technical University, Huludao 125105, China.
Abstract:
Underground coal mining induces strata fracturing and residual coal oxidation, with spontaneous combustion and radon release posing coupled hazards to miner health. This study investigates radon release and migration in gob areas through theoretical analysis, laboratory experiments, and 3D multiphysics simulations. A 1D steady-state model describes radon convection-diffusion in porous media, while experiments quantify the exponential dependence of radon release and oxygen consumption rates on coal temperature. A 3D model was then developed to simulate coupled airflow, temperature, oxygen, and radon fields. The effects of inlet velocity, fracture width, working-face radon release flux, and air leakage velocity were assessed. Results show that radon migration is jointly controlled by source strength, fracture-controlled permeability, and airflow. Increasing fracture width and air leakage promotes oxidation and radon transport, enlarging high-temperature and radon accumulation zones near the return side. Higher radon release flux directly increases peak concentrations and risk-zone lengths. Conversely, stronger ventilation reduces working-face radon concentrations despite promoting deeper gob oxidation. These findings clarify the process of radon release, migration, and localized accumulation, providing theoretical support for spontaneous-combustion detection and occupational radiation protection in underground coal mines.
Related Concept Videos
Biological Effects of Radiation
Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
Acid Mine Drainage
Spontaneous and Induced Mutations
Radioactive Decay and Radiometric Dating
