6
and refinement in key areas. Furthermore, the planned real-
time integration of sensor data, including temperature and
airflow readings, into the CFD model needs the develop-
ment of a reliable data communication system.
The Geomechanical Model
Advanced geomechanical simulations are indispensable for
comprehending the complex interactions among thermal,
hydraulic, and mechanical (THM) processes in under-
ground spaces, including mining environments. The open-
source finite element software FEniCSx 0.7.3 was used to
set the foundation for future integration in the hybrid AI
model.
By incorporating geometrical and geological data,
material properties, and operational parameters the geo-
mechanical simulations enable the analysis of stress distri-
butions, deformation patterns, and potential failure zones
within rock masses [20]. Such predictive capabilities are
essential for mitigating risks associated with mining opera-
tions and for designing strategies that ensure structural
integrity.
For the gneissic host rock of the “FLB Reiche Zeche”
with its elastic characteristics under stress, an elastic consti-
tutive model for the simulation is adopted. This choice sim-
plifies the material behavior representation while providing
sufficient accuracy for the initial analysis. The displace-
ment field of the host rock as determined by a preliminary
thermo-mechanical simulation is illustrated in Figure 6.
The model is sliced along the z-axis to reveal internal dis-
placement patterns. The boundaries of the host rock are
constrained by fixing displacements in the normal direction
to each surface. Material properties for the simulation were
taken from literature [21], since the geological model was
ongoing at the time of the model’s creation. The simula-
tion’s aim was to identify potential challenges and prepare
for upcoming geomechanical modeling. This figure serves
as a presentation tool and, when compared with results
from other models, effectively demonstrates the impor-
tance of coupling the geological, geometrical and ventila-
tion models.
Furthermore, using the finite element method (FEM)
is particularly suited due to its versatility in handling com-
plex geometries, heterogeneous material properties, and
intricate boundary conditions [22]. FEM partitions the
domain into discrete elements connected at nodes, apply-
ing variational principles to approximate the solution of
partial differential equations (PDEs). This method adeptly
captures localized phenomena such as stress concentrations
and fracture propagation, which are critical in assessing the
structural integrity of underground structures.
The THM processes are also coupled because thermal
fluctuations can induce volumetric changes in rock masses,
influencing stress distributions and potentially triggering
mechanical failure [23]. Similarly, hydraulic processes,
encompassing fluid flow and pore pressure variations,
further complicate the mechanical behavior of geological
formations. THM coupling involves the interconnected
processes of heat transfer, fluid flow, and mechanical defor-
mation in porous media, all governed by the fundamental
principles of mass, momentum, and energy conservation.
This coupling arises because temperature changes induce
thermal strains that affect the stress state of the material,
while variations in pore pressure alter the effective stresses.
These inter-dependencies illustrate how thermal, hydraulic,
and mechanical behaviors are intrinsically linked in THM
systems. Fluid flow is influenced by permeability changes
resulting from mechanical deformation, while heat transfer
is affected by fluid movement and the thermal properties
of the rock-fluid system. The modeling of THM processes
is based on the advanced iteration of the FEniCS project
Figure. 6. Displacement field of the host rock obtained
from simulation using material properties from literature.
Displacement magnitudes in meter are depicted from low to
high in blue to red color, respectively [Clausthal University
of Technology]
and refinement in key areas. Furthermore, the planned real-
time integration of sensor data, including temperature and
airflow readings, into the CFD model needs the develop-
ment of a reliable data communication system.
The Geomechanical Model
Advanced geomechanical simulations are indispensable for
comprehending the complex interactions among thermal,
hydraulic, and mechanical (THM) processes in under-
ground spaces, including mining environments. The open-
source finite element software FEniCSx 0.7.3 was used to
set the foundation for future integration in the hybrid AI
model.
By incorporating geometrical and geological data,
material properties, and operational parameters the geo-
mechanical simulations enable the analysis of stress distri-
butions, deformation patterns, and potential failure zones
within rock masses [20]. Such predictive capabilities are
essential for mitigating risks associated with mining opera-
tions and for designing strategies that ensure structural
integrity.
For the gneissic host rock of the “FLB Reiche Zeche”
with its elastic characteristics under stress, an elastic consti-
tutive model for the simulation is adopted. This choice sim-
plifies the material behavior representation while providing
sufficient accuracy for the initial analysis. The displace-
ment field of the host rock as determined by a preliminary
thermo-mechanical simulation is illustrated in Figure 6.
The model is sliced along the z-axis to reveal internal dis-
placement patterns. The boundaries of the host rock are
constrained by fixing displacements in the normal direction
to each surface. Material properties for the simulation were
taken from literature [21], since the geological model was
ongoing at the time of the model’s creation. The simula-
tion’s aim was to identify potential challenges and prepare
for upcoming geomechanical modeling. This figure serves
as a presentation tool and, when compared with results
from other models, effectively demonstrates the impor-
tance of coupling the geological, geometrical and ventila-
tion models.
Furthermore, using the finite element method (FEM)
is particularly suited due to its versatility in handling com-
plex geometries, heterogeneous material properties, and
intricate boundary conditions [22]. FEM partitions the
domain into discrete elements connected at nodes, apply-
ing variational principles to approximate the solution of
partial differential equations (PDEs). This method adeptly
captures localized phenomena such as stress concentrations
and fracture propagation, which are critical in assessing the
structural integrity of underground structures.
The THM processes are also coupled because thermal
fluctuations can induce volumetric changes in rock masses,
influencing stress distributions and potentially triggering
mechanical failure [23]. Similarly, hydraulic processes,
encompassing fluid flow and pore pressure variations,
further complicate the mechanical behavior of geological
formations. THM coupling involves the interconnected
processes of heat transfer, fluid flow, and mechanical defor-
mation in porous media, all governed by the fundamental
principles of mass, momentum, and energy conservation.
This coupling arises because temperature changes induce
thermal strains that affect the stress state of the material,
while variations in pore pressure alter the effective stresses.
These inter-dependencies illustrate how thermal, hydraulic,
and mechanical behaviors are intrinsically linked in THM
systems. Fluid flow is influenced by permeability changes
resulting from mechanical deformation, while heat transfer
is affected by fluid movement and the thermal properties
of the rock-fluid system. The modeling of THM processes
is based on the advanced iteration of the FEniCS project
Figure. 6. Displacement field of the host rock obtained
from simulation using material properties from literature.
Displacement magnitudes in meter are depicted from low to
high in blue to red color, respectively [Clausthal University
of Technology]