Determine method of effective experimental period of similar material model for improving the simulation results

Similar material simulation methods have been extensively applied to investigate stratum movement in mining technology. The similarity between similar material models and prototypes is directly associated to the reliability of simulation results. Considering that the mechanical strength changes of similar material model made at a certain ratio is closely related to its humidity and moisture content, the effective time period for simulating excavation and model monitoring should be determined based on the changes in humidity and moisture content of similar material models, but there is currently no such method. According to the relation of humidity and moisture content of the similar material model obtained through mechanical experiments, an approach is proposed for determining the effective experimental time for similar material model for coal mine stratum movement. The new device designed can effectively monitor the humidity changes of similar model materials, so that the simulation excavation and monitoring time process of similar material models can be scientifically controlled. This paper solves the difficult issue that the model dynamics similarity can hardly guarantee during the experiment of similar materials simulation, and the findings can offer a scientific basis for monitoring period of similar material models and reliability improvement for model simulation results.