Numerical study of the liquid sloshing in the cylindrical tank with baffles

Abstract

Abstract Many kinds of dangerous chemicals, like liquefied natural gas etc., are stored or transported in liquid state by pressure vessel. Liquid sloshing will occur in many scenarios such as during the geological disasters, and the transit operations. Sloshing might lead to large deformation or even damage to containers, causing serious safety threats. In this study, the sloshing phenomenon in a cylindrical tank with four baffle shapes are investigated. The volume-of-fluid (VOF) method is used to track the distorted and broken free surface. Fluid movement phenomenon in tank with different baffles is observed. The effect of four different baffles shapes is compared, impacting force on tank and baffle walls which induced by liquid sloshing is analyzed. Baffles openings affect the impact forces on the tank and baffle walls. More number of baffle orifices, liquid distribution is more even in sections of the tank. Maximum force value of y direction occurs as the liquid climbs up the tank ceiling. Reasonable number and position of baffle openings can increase the stability of the tank during driving. For this simulation method, more validation with experimental data is necessary, the same size of tank and four baffle shapes will be tested on the shaking platform.