Design and simulation of anti-sloshing baffles applied to detumbling payload propellant tanks

Abstract

The method to suppress the liquid sloshing in the tank applied to the jet detumbling payload is investigated in this study. Among all kinds of anti-sloshing structures, the symmetrical annular baffle was chosen due to the features of impact on the payload’s tank. The damped mass-spring liquid sloshing model established is used to compare the damping ratio of the baffle with different baffle layers and different baffle heights. Using FLUENT software, based on VOF (volume of fluid) numerical simulation technology, the damping effect of baffles with different layers and heights is simulated. The results show that 3-layer 15mm or 4-layer 10mm baffles can effectively reduce the influence of liquid sloshing. The damping ratio of the storage tank with a 3-layer 15mm anti-sloshing baffle is at least 18.3 times that of a smooth tank, and the damping ratio of the tank with a 4-layer 10mm anti-sloshing baffle is at least 18.7 times that of a smooth tank.