Experimental and theoretical study of combustion of a coal dust particle – air mixture in a closed spherical volume

Experimental data are presented on the rate of pressure change during the combustion of an air suspension of coal dust in a closed spherical volume at various mass concentrations of coal dust. On the basis of the equations of mechanics of disperse media in a one-velocity one-temperature approximation, a physico-mathematical model for the combustion of an air suspension of coal dust in a closed spherical volume is formulated. The combustion wave propagation velocity relative to the gas suspension and the combustion velocity of a coal dust particle are model parameters and are determined by matching the calculation results with experimental data. Their agreement was good. The proposed approach can be used to assess the effect of coal dust combustion on the intensity of shock waves in coal mines during accidental methane explosions involving coal dust.