In this paper, the authors study the 3D propagation of sound waves between two closed spaces. The separation element between the two rooms is considered to include either a small opening or a homogeneous lightweight panel, coupling the two spaces. A numerical study of this configuration is performed, trying to understand the influence of the position and geometry of this opening in the sound pressure level reduction curve at low and midfrequencies. Additionally, the coupling effect between the two acoustic spaces is analyzed, in order to better understand its importance when determining the sound pressure level reduction. Different boundary conditions are ascribed to the walls of these rooms, simulating both the completely reflecting and partially absorbing surfaces.

The numerical modelling was performed using a multi-domain formulation of the Method of Fundamental Solutions (MFS). The system is composed of two coupled rooms, limited by rigid or by absorbing walls, and separated by a thin wall (tending to null thickness) with a small opening. An experimental validation of the proposed model is presented, comparing its results with those found experimentally for a reduced-scale model. It is important to note that, for such a configuration, a traditional single-domain approach using methods like the MFS or the BEM would lead to undetermined equation systems, and thus the proposed model makes use of a domain decomposition technique.

Mining the lower seams in a sequence of shallow, closely spaced coal seams causes serious air leakage in the upper goaf; this can easily aggravate spontaneous combustion in abandoned coal. Understanding the redevelopment of fractures and the changes in permeability is of great significance for controlling coal spontaneous combustion in the upper goaf. Based on actual conditions at the 22307 working face in the Bulianta coal mine, Particle Flow Code (PFC) and a corresponding physical experiment were used to study the redevelopment of fractures and changes in permeability during lower coal seam mining. The results show that after mining the lower coal seam, the upper and lower goafs become connected and form a new composite goaf. The permeability and the number of fractures in each area of the overlying strata show a pattern of „stability-rapid increase-stability“ as the lower coal seam is mined and the working face advances. Above the central area of goaf, the permeability has changed slightly, while in the open-cut and stop line areas are significant, which formed the main air leakage passage in the composite goaf.

The study analysed a bisymmetric closely-spaced built-up member, pin-supported at both ends. Itwas bipolarly pre-stressed with a displacement (BPCSBM), and loaded with an axial compressive force. Maximum internal gap between the chords was assumed in the section, in which during the stability failure in a classic closely-spaced member, the largest lateral displacements between nodes would potentially occur. As regards the BPCSBM chosen for analysis, the issues of the buckling resistance in the presence of compressive axial load were solved using the energy method, in which the functional minimisation was performed in accordance with the Rayleigh–Ritz algorithm. The problem of BPCSBM stability was also solved using FEM. A spatial shell model was developed. The stability analysis was performed. The analysis resulted in obtaining the buckling load and the member buckling modes. A general conclusion was formulated based on the results obtained: bipolar pre-stressing leads to an increase in buckling resistance of closely-spaced members.