Dynamic Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of Outburst-Prone Coal Based on Compressive SHPB Tests

Understanding the dynamic mechanical behaviors and microstructural properties of outburst-prone coal is significant for preventing coal and gas outbursts during underground mining. In this paper, the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) tests were completed to study the strength and micro-structures of outburst-prone coal subjected to compressive impact loading. Two suites of coals—outburst-prone and outburst-resistant—were selected as the experimental specimens. The characteristics of dynamic strength, failure processes, fragment distribution, and microstructure evolution were analyzed based on the obtained stress-strain curves, failed fragments, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) images. Results showed that the dynamic compressive strength inclined linearly with the applied strain rate approximately. The obtained dynamic stress-strain responses could be represented by a typical curve with stages of compression, linear elasticity, microcrack evolution, unstable crack propagation, and rapid rapture. When the loading rate was relatively low, fragments fell in tension. With an increase in loading rates, the fragments fell predominantly in shear. The equivalent particle size of coal fragments decreased with the applied strain rate. The Uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of outburst-prone coal was smaller than that of resistant coal, resulting in its smaller equivalent particle size of coal fragments. Moreover, the impact loading accelerated the propagation of fractures within the specimen, which enhanced the connectivity within the porous coal. The outburst-prone coal with behaviors of low strength and sudden increase of permeability could easily initiate gas outbursts.