Non-linear hydroelastic vibration of a cantilever cylindrical tank—I. Experiment (empty case)

Abstract

Experimental studies were carried out on the non-linear hydroelastic vibrations of a cantilever circular cylindrical tank. Part I presents the results for an empty tank. In the studies, two polyester test cylinders were used with radius R = 240 mm, thickness h = 0.254 mm, and length L = 480 and 160 mm ( L R = 2.0 and 2 3 , respectively). The non-linearity of the response of the flexible wall was investigated. It was found that the degree of non-linearity depends on the vibration mode, i.e. on the circumferential wave number and the axial wave number of the shell, as well as on the length of the tank. Travelling responses were observed in which a response with circumferential wave number N moved around in a circumferential direction.