Numerical Modeling of Liquid Sloshing in Half-Filled Tanks Using the Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) Formulation
摘要
Liquid sloshing in partially filled transport tanks poses significant safety hazards, causing vehicle instability and rollover risks during sudden braking maneuvers. This study investigates sloshing mitigation phenomena in half-filled cylindrical tanks using three equally spaced vertical separators through Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) numerical simulations within LS-DYNA software. The ALE formulation effectively integrates Lagrangian and Eulerian methodologies, enabling robust fluid-structure interaction modeling for complex free-surface dynamics. Comparative analysis between empty and separator-equipped tank configurations reveals dramatic differences in sloshing behavior. Results demonstrate that liquid initially traveling at 15 m/s experiences severe velocity amplification, reaching impact velocities of 45 m/s (three times initial velocity) in empty tanks during sudden braking scenarios. In contrast, tanks equipped with vertical separators (80% liquid height) achieve remarkable sloshing control, reducing maximum impact velocities to 6.2 m/s (86% reduction). The separators create effective counter-wave mechanisms and energy dissipation through flow partitioning and rotational circulation patterns. These quantitative findings provide critical design parameters for enhanced tank safety and structural integrity assessment across terrestrial, maritime, and aerospace transportation sectors.