Design optimization of sloshing tank using weakly compressible mesh free model

Abstract

The sloshing effects from baffle and non-baffled water tank was investigated under different external excitation frequencies and amplitudes. It was simulated and analyzed using the Weakly Compressible Moving Particle Explicit (WCMPE) method under condition of high-precision simulation data. The effects from different baffle configuration, external excitation frequency and amplitude, and the behaviour of liquid sloshing were analyzed through the conversion of simulated data and images. The results showed that half-proportional baffles resulted in a highly complex water motion, which resulted in the damping of the liquid slosh. On the other hand, the sloshing of the water in the tank at non-natural frequency resulted in mutual cancellation of the particle velocities. With greater understanding of the sloshing and damping effects, the use of half-scale baffle and liquid depth at different position were further examined. Three case scenarios were simulated and analyzed. First, the length of the baffle was kept constant with gradual lifting of the baffle from the bottom of the tank until it protrudes the water surface. Secondly, the length of the baffle was gradually increased from bottom of tank until it protrudes above the water surface to explore the optimal damping effect. Lastly, the top of the baffle is situated immediately below the water surface. Determination of the optimal ratio of baffle length and liquid depth was completed from the three hypothetical case studies.