Acoustic emission spectrum for mine hazards identification and prevention

The article investigates the problems of mine hazard prevention, identification and control. Acoustic emission signals are one of the important signs of the appearance of deformations in rocks that can cause accidents in mines. Acoustic emission signals are quite broadband in nature. The article considers the task of the possibility of using broadband nature of acoustic emission signals to localize areas in which acoustic signals are generated for early warning of an emerging danger. The results of modeling of the process of localization of hazardous areas are presented. The proposed method is based on the frequency dependence of acoustic signal attenuation in rocks. Moving away from the signal source, not only changes its intensity, but also its spectrum. By measuring the intensity of acoustic signals in several spectral bands and knowing the frequency dependence of signal attenuation, it is possible to calculate at what distance from the receiving points the signal source should be located so that its spectral components would be changed as they are observed at the receiving points. This allows to localize the signal source. It is shown that four signal reception points and intensity measurements in two spectral frequency bands are sufficient to apply the method. It is shown that the proposed method allows not only to determine the coordinates of the local area of fracture formation, but also to restore the spectral characteristics of acoustic emission signals in the area of their occurrence, which can provide information about the mechanism of formation and development of processes of rock destruction.