In order to investigate the effect of variation in the distribution of gas on explosion propagation characteristics in coal mines, experiments were carried out in two different channels with variation in gas concentration and geometry. Flame and pressure transducers were used to track the explosion front velocity. The flame speed (Sf) showed a slight downward trend while the methane concentration varied from 10% to 3% in the experimental channel. The peak overpressure (Pmax) dropped dramatically when compared with normal conditions. As well, the values of Pmax and Sf decreased when the methane concentration dropped from 8% to 6%. The flame speed in the channel, connected to a cylinder with a length varying from 0.5 to 2 m, was greater than that in the normal channel. The peak overpressure was also higher than that under normal conditions because of a higher flame speed and stronger pressure piling up. The values of Pmax and Sf increased with an increase in cylinder length. The research results indicate that damage caused by explosions can be reduced by decreasing the gas concentration, which should be immediately detected in roadways with large cross-sections because of the possibility of greater destruction caused by more serious explosions.
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