Analysis of transient fluid slosh in partly-filled tanks with and without baffles: Part 2 – role of baffles

Abstract

Baffles tend to suppress the forces and moments caused by fluid slosh in partly filled tank trucks, thus increasing their directional stability limits. The anti-slosh properties of different baffles designs are investigated through transient slosh analysis of a partly-filled 'Reuleaux triangle' cross-section tank. The effectiveness of baffles is evaluated in terms of fundamental slosh frequency, and forces and moments. The results show that the slosh natural frequencies and magnitudes of slosh forces and moments strongly depend upon the baffle design, fill volume and excitation. The longitudinal mode frequency of the baffled tank can be three times that of the unbaffled tank, while baffles could reduce peak longitudinal force by 39%. The partial baffles could be more effective under higher fill levels. Variations in baffle porosity resulted in only minor changes in peak longitudinal slosh force, but significant effect on steady-state pitch moment.