Laboratory In Situ CT Observation of the Evolution of 3D Fracture Networks in Coal Subjected to Confining Pressures and Axial Compressive Loads: A Novel Approach

Accurate characterisation of the three-dimensional (3D) fracture network of coal is of vital significance to enhancing coal seam permeability during simultaneous extraction of deep coal and methane resources. The limitations of traditional experimental methods prevent direct in situ observation and characterisation of the 3D fracture network and its evolution during loading processes. This study presents a novel approach that incorporates...