Understanding energy transformation mechanism of rockbursts through experimental and theoretical methods

Understanding the energy transformation mechanism in rockbursts is essential for predicting and mitigating potentially catastrophic rock failures. In this study, Double Springs Release Tests (DSRTs) were proposed in a laboratory setting to investigate the energy transformation of rockbursts from inception to development. High-speed cameras and image processing algorithms were utilized to calculate different types of energy throughout the duration of the burst. Theoretical analyses, grounded in structural dynamics and stress wave equations, was conducted and cross-referenced with the experimental results. The study found that wave impedance ρE is a key indicator of burst intensity. The research demonstrated that the impact energy in DSRTs originates from both the impact medium and the surrounding medium, and explored how these two components contribute to the total impact energy of the impact medium. •A novel experimental method is designed to mimic a rock burst where strain energy transferring to kinetic energy can be observed.•A theoretical analysis is conducted to cross-reference the experimental results.•Wave impedance is identified to be a key indicator of rockburst intensity.•The stiffness and energy conversion ratio of the spring in DSRT follow an exponential relationship.