Influence of sensor array on MS/AE source location accuracy in rock mass

As the mining depth increases, rock dynamic disasters become increasingly prominent. Microseismic monitoring has become an important technical means to monitor rock dynamic disasters, such as rockburst and roof collapse. The sensor array is the first step of signal acquisition and will seriously affect source location accuracy. The significant studies on error factors caused by sensor array arrangement to the location accuracy of microseismic (MS) and acoustic emission (AE) sources were discussed and summarized. The influences of the number of sensors, configuration of sensors and distance between sensors and source on MS/AE source location accuracy were analyzed. Subsequently, some principles of sensor arrays were given by combining with engineering practices and laboratory testing, and confirmed by a field application. In addition, the optimal arrangement scheme was discovered by considering the factors affecting the number, shape, and distance of sensors, which can greatly adjust the signal acquisition effect and improve the source location accuracy. Finally, some challenges and the corresponding coping strategies of sensor arrays were prospected to improve the MS/AE source location accuracy.