Numerical Simulation of Sloshing in a 2D Rectangular Tank in Presence of Surface Tension Using VOF Method

Abstract

In this study, the focus is on investigating the movements of fluids partially filled in a rectangular tank, a phenomenon known as sloshing. Sloshing occurs when waves are produced at the free surface of the container. This is a significant issue in the industrial transportation of large quantities of liquids. The rectangular tank being studied is two-dimensional and it is subjected to gravity and horizontal forces. The governing differential equation of the equivalent mechanical model is a mathematical representation of a physical system that describes its behavior in terms of differential equations. Variable separation method is a technique used to solve such equations by separating the variables and solving each part separately. The aim of this work is to understand the effects of surface tension on fluid sloshing, particularly at the free surface where waves appear. In order to achieve this, a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model has been developed by using the commercial finite volume package ANSYS Fluent. This model allows for the generation of a numerical wave at the free surface. The Volume of Fluid (VOF) method is used to predict the motion of the free surface. The numerical simulations conducted in this study indicate that changing the frequency of excitation leads to significant deformations in the waves at the free surface. Additionally, it has been observed that the level of the free surface increases with an increase in surface tension. Furthermore, the study reveals that when horizontally excited, the velocity of the liquid on the left side of the tank is higher than on the right side. The pressure distribution obtained also shows that the values are greater at the bottom of the container compared to the top. Overall, this work provides valuable insights into the effects of surface tension on fluid sloshing, specifically at the free surface. The use of CFD simulations and the VOF method allows for a detailed understanding of the complex dynamics involved in this phenomenon.