Experimental and numerical investigation of sloshing under roll excitation at shallow liquid depths

Abstract

This paper investigates sloshing at shallow-liquid depths in a rectangular container by using experimental and numerical methods. A motion platform is used to perform a prescribed periodic rotational motion to excite the liquid sloshing at a range of frequencies and filling levels. Simulated free-surface elevation is compared with the experimental results for a selection of cases. The wave mechanisms at the chosen fillings are studied by combining numerical methods and the experimental results. We find that the simulated free-surface elevation is in close agreement with experimental results inside the resonance zone. But at frequencies above the bifurcation point, with several overlapping waves, the deviation is increasing. The bifurcation point is determined for a range of filling levels through observation. The numerical results provide important information about sloshing mechanisms at these depths. Complex interaction between the bottom, the lower layer and the wave influences the amount of dissipation before the wave hits the wall. The existing theory seems to be too conservative in predicting the occurrence of hydraulic jumps in the upper limit.