Mathematics Applied in Rock Mechanics and Mining Science

A special issue of Mathematics (ISSN 2227-7390). This special issue belongs to the section "E: Applied Mathematics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 1425

Special Issue Editor

School of Civil and Resource Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Interests: rock mechanics; mining-induced disasters; rock stress measurements; nonlinear rock constitutive models; green and smart mining; numerical simulations
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The fields of rock mechanics and mining science aim to elucidate the complex, multi-scale, and often discontinuous behavior of geomaterials under a variety of loading and environmental conditions. The inherent uncertainties associated with rock mass properties, in situ stress fields, and the dynamic nature of excavation processes present significant challenges for traditional empirical and deterministic approaches. In recent decades, the application of advanced mathematical theories and computational methods has revolutionized our ability to model, analyze, and predict the behavior of rock masses, leading to enhanced safety, efficiency, and sustainability in geotechnical and mining engineering.

This Special Issue will showcase high-quality research and review articles that demonstrate the pivotal role of modern mathematics in addressing these complex challenges. We welcome contributions that employ sophisticated mathematical tools to develop novel models, innovative numerical simulations, and data-driven methodologies for a wide range of applications. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the development and solution of partial differential equations for coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical(THMC) processes; the use of statistical and probabilistic methods for rock mass characterization and risk assessment; the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence for the predictive modeling of rockburst, slope stability, and subsidence; advanced finite element, discrete element, and boundary element methods for simulating fracture propagation and rock fragmentation; network theory and topology optimization for mine planning and ventilation design; and inverse analysis and data assimilation techniques for calibrating models with field monitoring data. Other topics related to mathematical and computational methods in rock mechanics and mining science are also welcome.

By bringing together cutting-edge research from mathematicians, computational scientists, and mining engineers, this Special Issue will serve as a platform to highlight the transformative power of mathematics. It will foster interdisciplinary dialog and contribute to the development of next-generation tools that will be crucial in tackling the evolving demands of rock mechanics and mining science.

Dr. Peng Li
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • rock mechanics
  • numerical modeling
  • discontinuous mechanics
  • machine learning in mining science
  • probabilistic risk assessment
  • coupled processes (THMC)
  • mine design and optimization
  • fracture propagation
  • inverse analysis
  • computational geometry and topology

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

30 pages, 12272 KB  
Article
Study on Lateral Abutment Stress and Damage Range of Coal Seam Under the Coupling of Coal-Rock Structure
by Wenrui He, Dongdong Chen and Hengzhong Zhu
Mathematics 2026, 14(3), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14030581 - 6 Feb 2026
Viewed by 333
Abstract
The lateral abutment stress and damage range of the coal seam are prerequisites for the layout of gob-side entries and surrounding rock control. They are influenced by the structure and mechanical properties of the coal seam and the overlying strata. To address this [...] Read more.
The lateral abutment stress and damage range of the coal seam are prerequisites for the layout of gob-side entries and surrounding rock control. They are influenced by the structure and mechanical properties of the coal seam and the overlying strata. To address this issue, this study establishes a mechanical analysis model for the lateral abutment stress and damage range under coupled conditions between the coal seam and overlying strata. This model systematically investigates the influence of various factors, including the fracture height and break angle of the overlying strata, the rotation angle and subsidence of key blocks, the burial depth and thickness of the coal seam, as well as the cohesion and internal friction angle of the coal mass. The study reveals that the weight and overburden load of the triangular hanging roof zone, along with the subsidence and rotation of the key blocks, are the key factors influencing the lateral abutment stress and damage range. Meanwhile, the reliability of the mechanical model has been substantiated through a combination of numerical simulation and in situ monitoring results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mathematics Applied in Rock Mechanics and Mining Science)
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21 pages, 6057 KB  
Article
In Situ Stress Measurement and Field Inversion in Deep Surrounding Rock
by Zhilou Feng, Qifeng Guo, Meifeng Cai, Siying Wu, Qingwen Yan, Xianquan Lei and Fei Li
Mathematics 2026, 14(3), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14030436 - 27 Jan 2026
Viewed by 717
Abstract
The in situ stress state of deep surrounding rock is critically important for mine safety and resource extraction. This study focuses on a lead–zinc mine in Yunnan Province, China, with the objective of characterizing the distribution of the deep in situ stress field. [...] Read more.
The in situ stress state of deep surrounding rock is critically important for mine safety and resource extraction. This study focuses on a lead–zinc mine in Yunnan Province, China, with the objective of characterizing the distribution of the deep in situ stress field. A self-developed digital wireless acquisition system for in situ stress measurement with dual temperature compensation was emplo6yed to conduct measurements at eight underground points. Based on the measured data, the in situ stress field was inverted using the finite difference method combined with multiple linear regression, and a three-dimensional geological model of the mining area was established. The results indicate that the stress field is predominantly governed by horizontal tectonic stress, with the principal stresses showing an approximately linear increase with depth. The average relative error between the inverted and measured stress field values was 7.74%. Finally, stress parameters at key underground locations derived from the inversion model were applied in numerical simulations, providing data support for the engineering design and safety assessment in deep mining of this lead–zinc mine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mathematics Applied in Rock Mechanics and Mining Science)
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