Comparison of sloshing-induced pressure in different scale tanks

Abstract

This paper considers scale effects on three-dimensional (3D) sloshing flows. A series of model tests were conducted for three differently scaled tanks. The model tanks considered in this study were 1:70, 1:50, and 1:30 scaled membrane type tanks based on a 138,000 m(3) liquid natural gas carrier model. The tests were carried out for harmonic sway and roll motions for three different filling depths and with various excitation frequencies. The pressure measuring points in the tanks were the same, as if they were scaled up to actual size. The main parameters investigated in this study were the pressure peak and rise time of sampled sloshing pressures. These key sloshing load parameters were systematically analysed by a statistical approach, and the results from the tests at different scales were compared.