An experimental investigation of hydrodynamic damping due to vertical baffle arrangements in a rectangular tank

Abstract

The present work is concerned with an experimental study of the hydrodynamic damping provided by using vertical baffles in partially filled rectangular tanks. The damping ratio is evaluated for different vertical baffle dimensions, shapes, numbers, and arrangements. A small-scale test rig consisting of a partially filled rectangular tank with a pendulum suspension is designed and constructed to measure the transient responses of the system. The baffles are fitted to attenuate the lateral motion of the liquid slosh. Lower mounted and upper mounted vertical baffles of different heights and numbers are tested. Lower mounted vertical baffles with holes of different sizes and numbers are considered. Finally, the effect of a combination between upper, lower, and holed vertical baffles on the system damping is investigated. The results show that the size and location of the vertical baffles significantly influence the hydrodynamic damping. In general, the damping ratio increases as the tip of the lower mounted baffle plate is close to the liquid free surface and the location of the plate is close to the centre of the tank. Increasing the baffle numbers increases the damping ratio. The upper mounted vertical baffles are more suitable for a chargeable tank. The twin side upper mounted baffles and centre-holed lower mounted baffle arrangements give a maximum damping ratio.