Fluid structure interaction modeling of liquid sloshing phenomena in flexible tanks

The present paper is concerned with the problem of modeling the fluid–structure interaction (FSI) in partially filled liquid containers. The study focuses on the sloshing phenomena and on the coupling computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis with the finite element stress analysis (FEA) used to predict the sloshing wave amplitude, convective mode frequency, pressure exerted on the walls and the effect of sloshing on the anchoring points forces. The interaction between fluids (water and air) and tank wall is modeled considering full and one-way coupling. Using the time history of an earthquake excitation, the results of the FSI model are compared with those obtained employing simplified mechanical models given in design codes. The coupling phenomenon was found to influence the sloshing effect, the impulsive pressure being amplified by the wall elasticity. The applied FSI methodology proves to be feasible in analyzing a 3D full coupled CFD/FEA storage tank subjected to a long time history excitation.

► We used Ansys Workbench package to study sloshing phenomena in liquid containers.
► The interaction liquid–structure is modeled considering full and one-way coupling.
► The results obtained with the FSI models were compared against design codes.
► The results have shown that the sloshing is influenced by tank wall elasticity.