Breaking law of overlying strata in shallow coal seam fire area under thermal–mechanical coupling effect

The cracks formed by the breaking and collapse of overlying strata are oxygen supply channels for continuous combustion coal fires. development is great significance determining scope fire area controlling efficiently accurately. To study law cracks, a model in shallow seam established on basis beam theory considering coupling effect gravity load temperature field. physical based similarity principle. data from rock monitored infrared thermal imager. dynamic distribution function roof field obtained fitting. According to theory, position maximum tensile stress middle lower surface. theoretical calculation value first distance 0.575 m, which consistent with experimental results model. under thermal-mechanical slightly less than that only. For seams, generated increases roof.