Finite Element Computation and Experimental Validation of Sloshing in Rectangular Tanks

Finite element computation and experimental validation of sloshing in rectangular tanks near the primary and secondary resonance modes are presented. In particular, 2D free-surface evolution is studied. The computational analysis is based on solving the Navier-Stokes equations of incompressible flows with a monolithic solver that includes a stabilized formulation and a Lagrangian tracking technique for updating the free surface. The time-dependent behavior of the numerical and experimental wave heights at different control points are compared, where the experimental data is collected using ultrasonic sensors and a shake table that controls the motion of the rectangular container. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.