Evolution of stress field and plastic failure characteristics non-isobaric narrow gas storage spaces

Abstract

The uncertainty of stress distribution and plastic damage threatens the safety of underground gas storage facilities. The bi-directional computational mechanics model is established first, the analytical solution for stress calculation and the implicit equation of plastic zone boundaries are derived. Then, the distribution of stress field in non-isobaric narrow gas storage spaces are studied, and the distribution law of plastic zone is revealed. The results show that: (1) The analytical solution of the surrounding rock of the non-isobaric gas storage roadway is derived, and the implicit equation of the boundary of the plastic zone is obtained; (2) The maximum principal stress exhibits an axisymmetric distribution, gradually decreasing with the increase of the distance; (3) As the stress P0 increases, the pressure equilibrium point increases; as λ increases, the pressure equilibrium point decreases first and then increases; (4) λ is more sensitive to roof failure than the two gangs; When λ is less than 1, the “elliptical” plastic zone appears at the roof, manifested as tensile and shear failure; when λ is 1, the “circular” plastic zone appear, manifested as shear failure; when λ is greater than 1, the elliptical plastic zone appears at the both sides, manifested as shear failure.