Sloshing Behavior of Different Fluids in a Cylindrical Tank

Abstract

AbstractSloshing is the motion of liquids subjected to external forces with large free surface deformations. The liquid moves back and forth and rises along the side walls that may impact the roof which in turn generates loads affecting the structural integrity of the container and also the stability of the vehicle carrying it. This phenomenon is observed in launch vehicles, propellant carriers, spacecraft, cargo ships, and storage tankers carrying different types of fluids such as chemicals, water, oil, liquefied gas, and caustic soda. It is essential to determine the sloshing frequencies and hydrodynamic pressure on tank walls so that proper design of tank or container can be made. Recently, the demands for safety of such containers have increased. Different wave conditions in partially filled tanks, uncontrolled loading/unloading processes, structural frequencies, shape and position of the tank, sources of the motions, filling levels inside the tanks, or density of the fluid may cause sloshing. In this paper, sloshing in a cylindrical liquid tank subjected to horizontal excitation is investigated experimentally and numerically. After series of experiments, results obtained for each tank configuration are compared and flow is visualized for the tanks that are filled with different fluids commonly transported in tankers. The results of the study can give a better picture on the effects of fluid viscosity on slosh behavior and provides valuable information for effective tank designs.KeywordsCylindrical tankFill depthExcitationSloshing