Study on Similarity Simulation Test of Overburden Movement Law in Fully Mechanized Mining Face

The overburden structure in the mining of steeply inclined coal seams is a complex, dynamic, and nonlinear spatial problem, influenced by multiple factors such as the coal seam dip angle and geological structure. This paper focuses on the large-scale overlying strata structure of steeply inclined coal seam stopes as the research subject. Utilizing the similar material simulation method, the study investigates the patterns of overburden migration. The findings reveal that the working face experiences both major and minor pressure cycles, with the initial roof pressure being less intense. As the working face advances, the bedrock layer initially undergoes separation before collapsing again. The height of the collapsed layer and the separation layer does not exhibit a linear relationship with the advancement distance of the working face; instead, it follows a step-like ascending curve. These results provide a valuable foundation for field measurement studies and the design of data analysis methods.