Mining Engineering Commons^™

A Model Study Of The Behavior Of Elastic Liners In Shallow Underground Openings, Martin Samuel Oudenhoven

Masters Theses

"Models of epoxy resin were used in a stress freezing technique to determine areas of possible failure in lined circular openings. These models were loaded in a centrifuge for a fixed period of time, after which they were analyzed photoelastically. The material characteristic changes, with time, were recorded on graphs and used in the analysis.

Two types of tests were conducted; one, where the lining thickness was changed and, the other, where materials of the liner and plate material were changed.

The resulting analyses furnished proof that the greater the rigidity of the lining, the higher the stress developed in …

A Model Study Of The Induction Log Applied To The Detection Of Asymmetrically Located Orebodies, Robert Walter Piekarz

Masters Theses

"This research project was undertaken to determine the possibility of using an induction log of the type applied in petroleum exploration, for the detection of conductive ore- bodies asymmetrically located with respect to a borehole. Since a mathematical analysis would be extremely complex, a model study was conducted, using graphite bodies of various shapes to simulate different modes of mineral occurence.

The investigation showed that these bodies were readily detectable, and were capable of yielding anomalous curves characteristic of their geometry. The values of apparent conductivity decreased rapidly with lateral displacement, from the logging tool, as expected, due to the …

A Model Study Of The Application Of Roof Bolts Under Unsymmetrical Loading Conditions, Friedrich H. K. Esser

Masters Theses

"When coal is extracted by the long wall mining method, two gate-roads on either side of the working face are driven with the advancing operation. In the surroundings of these openings the state of stress which existed prior to mining is not only disturbed by the drifting process of the gate-roads but also by the coal extraction in the long wall, resulting in an "unsymmetrical" stress distribution. Varying incremental pressure components and the high complexity of strata movements make it extremely difficult to control the rock behavior under unsymmetrical conditions by conventional support. Application of roof bolts as an auxiliary …

Dipole Approximation Of The Solution For An Electrode Configuration In Two-Layer Resistivity Problem, Siew Hung Chan

Masters Theses

"An electrode configuration which consists of a pair of current electrodes, spaced at a unit apart, being kept at a great distance r from a pair of potential electrodes also spaced at a unit apart, has been investigated. Two theoretical apparent resistivity formulae were derived by applying Kelvin's theory of images to the problem of two-layer case. One formula is obtained by the exact method of solution, the other being obtained by considering the pair of current electrodes as a single dipole. Results of numerical calculations show that the greater the spacing r in comparison to the spacing a, …

Mechanics Of The Voussoir Arch As Applied To Block Caving, Christopher Haycocks

Masters Theses

"The theories of ground failure in massive rock with special reference to the problem of the mechanics of block caving were studied and evaluated.

The mechanics of arch or dome formation underground were studied quantitatively using the Voussoir arch theory. The effect of shear stress on the arch stability was considered and found to affect the system only when the arch height increased beyond certain limits.

A theory of the mechanism of ground failure in an undercut block using the dome theory was advanced. Photo- elastic model studies were used to support the conclusions reached"--Abstract, page i.

An Evaluation Of State Mineral Taxation In Missouri, Jerry Wayne Huffman

Masters Theses

"A study was made to evaluate the present taxes levied on the mineral industry in the State of Missouri. The corporate income tax, corporate franchise tax, and general property taxes were examined, in addition to the mine inspection fees and methods of local assessment of mineral properties.

It is suggested that the State of Missouri revise the method of application of the general property tax to mineral properties. Utilization of the principle of taxation of future profits and employment of qualified appraisers would provide a more equitable application of the general property tax.

It is recommended that the present mine …

An Evaluation Of The Resistance Element Method For Measuring Detonation Velocity Of An-Fo Mixtures Confined In Small Diameter Boreholes, William Stewart Breakey

Masters Theses

"Instrumentation and techniques employing a constant current in a 4 ft. length of Nichrome resistance wire embedded in an explosive mixture were developed to measure detonation velocity in small diameter boreholes.

The resistance element technique was evaluated by detonating mixtures in iron and clay pipes, and it was shown that the current in the circuit was not constant. Velocity measurements varied from 8,000 fps to 16,000 fps. Low velocity material provided poor time - voltage traces.

The resistance element method was compared to a pin oscillograph technique, and an explanation was offered for observed differences in velocity. The standard deviation …

A Study Of The Stress Distribution Around Circular Openings Using Multilayered Photoelastic Material, Donald Frank Haber

Masters Theses

"Stress analysis as applied to mine openings ranges from the completely empirical to the completely theoretical. However, it is only through the ultimate utilization of the two methods that a guide to the Interpretation of mine stress phenomenon may be obtained. The bridge between the two approaches lies in the field of model study. Specifically, this is an Investigation into determining the feasibility of using multilayered photoelastic materials in models such that a more exact approximation of the underground stress distribution around mine openings can be made.

The two major objectives in this study for determining the feasibility of using …

A Study Of Invert Emulsion Drilling Fluids, Edward R. Tegland

Masters Theses

"Since invert emulsions are being applied as drilling fluids to cope with special drilling and completion problems, evaluations of existing and new types of emulsions are needed. Three types of emulsions are evaluated in this study: (1) type A emulsions prepared with a commercial emulsifier, (2) type B emulsions prepared by adding clay to the external phase, and (3) type C emulsions containing no externally added emulsifier.

Standard testing procedures were used to measure the viscosity and filtration properties of the emulsions studied. Interfacial tension measurements were made using a technique described in the literature. The degree of stability for …

Underground Methods Of Working Coal, Hemendra Nath Datta

Masters Theses

"'Underground Methods of Working Coal' is the subject of this thesis. It is the purpose of this investigation to summarize all the mining methods under various conditions of working.

The underground methods of mining have been classified under three headings; viz., (a) Room and Pillar, (b) Longwall and (c) Horizon Mining. The conditions suitable for the applicability of each system and their relative merits and demerits are fully discussed.

The principles of the design of the workings of both room and pillar and longwall systems to have effective roof control in the area of the workings are pointed out.

Distinct …

A Method Of Estimating Groundwater Influx Into A Vertical Mine Shaft, Morris T. Worley

Masters Theses

"Prediction of groundwater influx into mine openings is one of the more important pre-development problems encountered in mining. A satisfactory method of estimation would provide the information necessary for a mining company to dewater prior to shaft sinking, pre-grout the shaft area, or plan pumping schemes to handle the expected flow.

A standardized field method of estimating groundwater supply from pumping test data was developed by O. V. Theis and others. In the present research problem, the estimation procedure has been simplified by the use of nomograms. Certain modifications in the estimate must be made when a pumping well is …

A Geophysical Investigation Of An Area In Christian County, Missouri, Edwin J. Ballantyne Jr.

Masters Theses

"A vertical intensity magnetic survey of 144 square miles in Christian County, southwest Missouri revealed an 825 gamma anomaly having a closure of 9 square miles. A three mile gravity traverse across the magnetic anomaly detected a positive gravity anomaly in excess of six mllligals.

Calculations showed that a Precambrian hill large enough to cause the observed magnetic anomaly would outcrop at the surface. Because Precambrian rocks are known to be buried under a sedimentary layer, this hypothesis was rejected.

Theoretical anomalies of several geometrical bodies at calculated depths were visually compared with the measured magnetic and gravity profiles. A …

Correlation Of Dust-Count Results By Zeiss Konimeter And Midget Impinger, Chandmal Jain

Masters Theses

"In this modern age, the scientific and technological developments have advanced mechanized mining to the status wherein the attendant dust problems have reached very serious hazard proportions. The significant roles, which have been perfected for the Zeiss konimeter and the midget impinger, in evaluating dust concentrations and thereby revealing possible improvements in making the atmospheric conditions safer, cannot be over emphasized.

While introducing the subject of this paper in the first chapter, the author has presented a historical resume, wherein he pointed out that performances of these instruments have not been correlated in the past. However, the work reported on …

Impact Energy Coupling And Impact Seismic Refraction Using Electronic Timing, Roderick D. Carroll

Masters Theses

"The use of impact energy sources in lieu of explosives for shallow seismic investigations is limited chiefly by the low energy available. Means of increasing the energy transmission of an impact source are investigated, using a weight drop arrangement and an oscilloscope. The energy of refracted arrivals is investigated by direct overburden impacts, compaction of the overburden at the point of impact and the use of steel and aluminum plates as coupling devices. Energy transmission is shown to be greatly increased, using a suitable coupling device and the conditions for optimum coupling are discussed. The elastic constants of the ground …

Apparatus For Inductive-Electromagnetic Model Studies, Won Ho Kim

Masters Theses

"The object of this research is to design, construct and calibrate an apparatus suitable for electromagnetic model studies. A portion of the thesis is devoted to general review and theoretical consideration of electromagnetic prospecting.

Theoretical analysis of electromagnetic survey data by mathematical methods can only be carried out for simple idealized subsurface conditions. Because of the difficulties of theoretical solutions, in contrast to the simplicity of the conditions of similitude in electromagnetic exploration, a model experiment offers a very useful means of studying and comparing the response of naturally occuring conducting mineral bodies.

An apparatus suitable for inductive-electromagnetic model studies …

Some Aspects Of Miscible Phase Displacement As Applied To The Recovery Of Oil Reservoir Crude, David D. Friend

Masters Theses

"Recent application of the miscible sing displacement process as a method to increase recovery from petroleum reservoirs has resulted in a great deal of laboratory investigation, none of which provided conclusive evidence as to the amount of mixing taking place between the displacing and displaced fluids. This investigation attempts to provide a possible insight into the rate and degree of mixing of two fluids with respect to flow path transversed and the rate of advance of the fluids. The laboratory investigation consisted of displacing a fluid from a packed core with another fluid under completely miscible conditions.

Experimental evidence indicates …

Analyses Of Two New Electrode Configurations For Earth Resistivity Surveying, Chi-Chao Chang

Masters Theses

"Two new electrode configurations for the electrical resistivity- surveying are introduced: the A-configuration, consisting of a closely spaced pair of current electrodes separated at larger distance from the closely spaced pair of potential electrodes, and the B-configuration, in which each closely spaced pair consists both current and potential electrode. Because electrode pairs can be carried as units, the new configurations can be applied to continuous resistivity surveying more easily than the Wenner configuration....

Theoretical apparent resistivity values are derived, by Maxwell's theory of images, for the A- and B-configuration over a two layered earth using the depth probe method, and …

An Investigation Of The Factors Influencing The Design Of A Dense Prilled Ammonium Nitrate-Fuel Oil Mixture, Robert Bartley Hopler Jr.

Masters Theses

"The physical characteristics of dense ammonium nitrate prills were examined. The density was found to be 1.52 grams per cubic centimeter, and from this the specific surface was calculated for the size fractions of interest in the investigation. Theoretical loading densities were calculated for between 26.0 and 47.6 percent voids.

The explosive properties of discrete particle size fractions were investigated. The equation by Clark was found to predict the detonation velocity of the sizes smaller than 8/20 mesh. The equation by Cook could not be applied to dense prilled ammonium nitrate. The possibility of a very oxygen negative condition existing …

Explosive Performance Parameters: A Digital Computer Solution And Error Analysis, Robert T. Stelloh

Masters Theses

"A program was written for the determination of explosive performance parameters on the Royal-McBee LGP-30 electronic digital computer. The method developed by Dr. M. A. Cook was used, which is based on the thermohydrodynamic theory of detonation. This theory and the specific equations developed by Cook are presented.

General statements are made in regard to computer programming, and specific information given concerning the programming concepts used for this particular problem. A detailed explanation of the program operation is given, together with the tabular data required for its use.

Equations are presented for an analysis of the effects of roundoff error …

Tank Studies Of The Resistivity Horizontal Profiling Method Of Electrical Prospecting, Edward Hornsey

Masters Theses

"This research project was undertaken to perfect a technique whereby theoretical horizontal resistivity profiles could be reproduced in laboratory tank studies.

Several specimen materials were tried and finally an acceptable specimen material was found. It was found that carbon specimens suspended in salt water would give horizontal resistivity profiles that agree to a remarkable degree with the theoretically predicted curves.

The investigations showed that the depth of burial of the specimen has a marked influence on the position of the characteristic edge effects and on the magnitude of the apparent resistivity.

The studies also indicated that successful tank studies could …

Electrical Model Investigations Using The Horizontal Profiling Technique, Alan H. Kwentus

Masters Theses

"Electrical exploration methods have been used for many years as a means of determining subsurface structures and in the search for mineral deposits. Vertical profiling techniques can be used to determine rather accurately the resistivity and thichness of horizontal or gently dipping beds for cases up to four layers. Mathematical calculations have been made for multiple layers and theoretical curves have been computed and published for four and more layers. The vertical profiling method is not particularly well suited to the problem of locating lateral changes in resistivity produced by such features as ore bodies, sinks and channels. These features …

Methods For Calculating The Minimum Amortization Tonnage And Maximum Present Value For An Ore Body, Garrett M. Sainsbury

Masters Theses

"The discussion is divided into three parts. Part I describes a procedure for determining the mining rate that gives the minimum amortization tonnage required of an ore body, and the amount of that tonnage. The basic idea is that amortization tonnage is equivalent to the estimated capital costs, including interest, divided by the estimated operating profit per ton. Both capital costs and operating profit per ton can be expressed as functions of mining rate by making use of empirical equations. Therefore, amortization tonnage can be expressed as a function of mining rate. The amortization tonnage is calculated for a series …

Physical Property Tests Of Rock, Centrifugal Tests And The Design Of Underground Mine Openings, Samuel Shu Mou Chan

Masters Theses

"Proper design of stable underground mine openings is important to the mining industry today. Various methods have been utilized by investigators to approach this goal.

A review of previous investigations of each of the phases of underground mine opening stress analysis is presented.

An approximate method of designing underground mine structures based on estimation of the initial stress field, rock physical property tests, and model tests, together with preliminary field data, is presented, and a specific example given"--Forward, page i.

Some Dynamic Creep Characteristics Of Gypsum, Ikram-Ul-Haq Dar

Masters Theses

"A review of literature concerned with time-dependent deformation of geologic and non-geologic materials is presented. A static loading machine and a four unit dynamic loading unit was designed and assembled to evaluate static and dynamic creep properties of gypsum. The tests were run for various levels of static loads, and superimposed dynamic loads. Investigations were carried out to determine the relationships, if any, between impact energy, impact velocity and momentum, and dynamic strains. Viscoelastic coefficients were determined for the investigations. The conclusion was presented that time-dependent strain in the dynamic creep tests of the particular gypsum rock tested is a …

Coal Dust Explosions And Their Prevention, Surya Narayan Roychowdhury

Masters Theses

"The purpose of this study is to review the various causes of coal dust explosions and to summarize the preventive measures through which it may be possible to minimize the hazards of coal dust explosions. The properties of coal dust which have an important influence on its explosibility are: fineness, purity, percentage of volatile matter, dryness, age and degree of oxidation, lifting velocities and dispersability, and its static electrification.

Explosibility of coal dust has been studied in laboratories, in explosion galleries and in an experimental coal mine. The data and results obtained from the tests showed that finely pulverized coal …

A Comparison Of The Effect Of Pvt Data Application Methods On Predicted Depletion Drive Reservoir Performance, Frederick A. Klein

Masters Theses

"It is generally agreed that the evolution of gas from oil within a reservoir is most closely approximated by the differential liberation process, while gas liberation in the flow string, surface separator, and stock tank is most nearly represented by flash liberation. To conform with this assumed physical behavior, appropriate application of both flash and differential liberation data in the computation of reservoir performance by material balance methods is indicated.

In this work, simple depletion-drive oil and gas recoveries were calculated (1) using differential liberation data only, and (2) using differential liberation data adjusted to incorporate the results of flash …

Graphical Solution Of Concentration At Production Wells Of Injected Radioactive Water Tracers, George E. Vaughn Jr.

Masters Theses

"With the advent of field research in which radioactive isotopes are used as tracers for water injected in secondary-recovery operations, knowledge of the probable transit time between wells of an injected tracer, its concentration at detection points, and the resultant optimum injection concentration has become important. Both detection and, consequently, injection concentrations of radioactive tracers are at least in part functions of the loss of tracer for various reasons, flow characteristics between wells, the rate of decay of radioactive emission, and the sensitivity of the detection apparatus. A method, based on the characteristics of a homogeneous 5-spot system, has been …

Methods And Time Study In Mining Operations, Cyril Jones

Masters Theses

"It was the purpose of this study to evolve and present in a logical manner a method of approach from the efficiency standpoint, to mining operation problems. This, it was thought, could be best achieved by means of a method and time study program, which could examine all the operations in whatever detail was required"--Statement of the problem, page 1.

A Preliminary Investigation Of Natural Gas Combustion As Applied To Thermal Recovery Of Petroleum, Roger J. Schoeppel

Masters Theses

"Present application of the subsurface combustion processes in the thermal recovery of petroleum afford favorable and opportune methods of providing greater recoveries from petroleum reservoirs. This study attempts to elucidate some of the parameters controlling the complex hydrocarbon oxidation for one such process. The experimental phase consisted of investigating the combustion behavior of eight nonexplosive and one explosive natural gas-air mixtures at low and intermediate pressures. The hydrocarbon was allowed to oxidize by self-ignition under controlled conditions within environments precluding a visible flame type reaction. Progress of the reaction was followed by measuring effluent oxygen content.

Experimental evidence indicate the …

Application Of Statistical Methods To Evaluation Of Mineral Deposits, Francis R. Saupé

Masters Theses

"Only in recent years have statistical methods been applied to evaluation of ore reserves. An attempt is made in this study to prepare an outline to be followed throughout the exploration in order that statistical methods can be applied to valuation problems. Particular emphasis is given to the preliminary requirements to a statistical approach. Representative parameters, sampling pattern, and sample size are discussed in separate chapters"--Abstract, page iii.