Numerical simulation of parametric liquid sloshing in a horizontally baffled rectangular container

• Published in: Journal of fluids and structures Vol. 76; pp. 229 - 250
• Main Authors: Sanapala, V.S., M, Rajkumar, Velusamy, K., Patnaik, B.S.V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-01-2018
• Subjects: Bhuj earthquake; Numerical simulation; Parametric instability; Seismic excitation; Sloshing; Vertical excitation; Numerical simulation; Bhuj earthquake; Seismic excitation; Vertical excitation; Sloshing; Parametric instability
• ISSN: 0889-9746; 1095-8622
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jfluidstructs.2017.10.001

Liquid sloshing is a problem of serious concern in partially filled tanks. Tank designers must ensure safe margins and develop methodologies to overcome a wide range of plausible situations related to transport, wind, earthquake loads etc. to assess the structural stability. In the present study, numerical simulations are carried out to investigate the sloshing dynamics of a partially filled rectangular container, subjected to vertical harmonic as well as seismic excitations. Unlike horizontal excitation, participation of higher modes is of prime concern in vertical (parametric) excitations. The present study numerically simulates and explores methodologies to control the slosh forces and free surface oscillations with the help of a baffle. Detailed numerical validations are carried out against other experimental and computational studies from the literature. Sloshing dynamics under imposed vertical harmonic excitations was investigated at its first and third modes. Based on a detailed study of transient wave profiles, force and pressure time histories, optimal baffle design was achieved. Optimal position of the baffle and its width are systematically obtained with reference to the quiescent free surface. The effectiveness of this baffle was tested against the well known Bhuj earthquake in India.
•Numerical investigation of parametric liquid sloshing in partially filled tanks.•Contributions from higher sloshing modes in a vertically excited tank is accounted.•Optimal baffle design was obtained by performing systematic numerical simulations.•Slosh wave amplitude reduction was noticed for the optimal baffle configuration.•Seismic excitation was found to be controlled due to the optimal baffle.