Predictive models for thermal diffusivity and specific heat capacity of coals in Huainan mining area, China

Thermal properties of coal govern the thermal transfer in coal mass. Taking coal samples from Huainan mining area as the objects, thermophysical parameters (thermal diffusivity, specific heat capacity, and thermal conductivity) were measured from 30 to 300 °C by LFA457 laser-flash apparatus. Predictive models for thermal diffusivity and specific heat capacity were then established. The results indicate that the thermal diffusivity of coal samples in Huainan mining area decreases with increased temperature, whereas specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity rise. The predictive models could accurately forecast the values and variations of thermophysical parameters for coal samples in Huainan mining area below 300 °C. Furthermore, the modeling method is suitable for the establishment of models for coal samples in other areas. These will be beneficial for the understanding of thermal transfer in coal mass and shorten the testing time in the laboratory.