Ocean Engineering 32 (2005) 1503–1516

www.elsevier.com/locate/oceaneng

Technical note

Experimental investigation of pressure distribution

on a rectangular tank due to the liquid sloshing
Hakan Akyildiza,*, Erdem Ünalb
a
Faculty of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Istanbul Technical University,
80626 Maslak, Istanbul, Turkey
b
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, 80626 Maslak, Istanbul, Turkey

Received 23 July 2004; accepted 17 November 2004

Available online 22 February 2005

Abstract
Pressure variations and 3D effects on liquid sloshing loads in tanks have been carried out
experimentally. Recently, considerable advances have been made in the development of numerical
techniques for studying the liquid sloshing on large structures. However, there is a lack of high
quality experimental data that may be used for validating the analytical and numerical solutions
obtained. This paper describes the results of the research project conducted at the Hydroulics
Laboratory of Civil Engineering Faculty of Istanbul Technical University. The primary objective of
the project is to investigate the pressure distributions at different locations and 3D effects on liquid
sloshing. In this purpose, an experimental setup is designed to study the non-linear behavior and
damping characteristics of liquid sloshing in partially filled 3D rectangular tank. Both several
configurations of baffled and unbaffled tanks are studied.
q 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Pressures variations; Free surface flow; 3D effects on sloshing loads; Experimental study

1. Introduction

Liquid sloshing is associated with various dynamical systems and engineering

problems, such as the liquid oscillations in large storage tanks caused by earthquakes, the
motions of liquid fuel in aircraft, the motions of liquid in containers and the water flow on

* Corresponding author. Tel.: C90 212 285 6488; fax: C90 212 285 6508.
E-mail address: [email protected] (H. Akyildiz).

0029-8018/$ - see front matter q 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.oceaneng.2004.11.006
1504 H. Akyildiz, E. Ünal / Ocean Engineering 32 (2005) 1503–1516

the decks of ships. The dynamic behavior of these systems is greatly affected by the
dynamics of the free liquid surface and it is very important with regard to the safety of
transportation systems, human’s life and environment.
Fluid motion in partially filled tanks may cause large structural loads if the period of
tank motion is close to the natural period of fluid inside the tank. This phenomenon is
called sloshing. Sloshing means any motion of a free liquid surface inside a container.
Depending on the type of disturbance and container shape, the free liquid surface can
experience different types of motion including simple planar, non-planar, rotational,
irregular beating, symmetric, asymmetric, quasiperiodic and chaotic. The amplitude of the
slosh, in general, depends on the nature, amplitude and frequency of the tank motion,
liquid-fill depth, liquid properties and tank geometry.
Motions of liquid inside a container have an infinite number of natural frequencies, but
it is the lowest few modes that are most likely to be excited by the motion of a vehicle.
However, non-linear effects result in the frequency of maximum response being slightly
different from the linear natural frequency and dependent on amplitude.
The dynamic behavior of a free liquid surface depends on the type of excitation and
its frequency content. The excitation can be impulsive, sinusoidal, periodic and random.
Its orientation with respect to the tank can be lateral, parametric, pitching/yaw or roll
and a combination. Under lateral harmonic excitation, the free liquid surface may
exhibit two types of non-linearity. The first is large amplitude response and the second
involves different forms of liquid behavior produced by coupling or instabilities of
various sloshing modes. The most important of these is the rotary sloshing or swirl
motion. This type of motion usually occurs very near the lowest liquid natural
frequency.
When the frequency of the tank motion is close to one of the natural frequencies of the
tank fluid, large sloshing amplitudes can be expected. If both frequencies are reasonably
close to each other, resonance will occur. The question is, how close should both
frequencies be to excite sloshing. Under free oscillations, the motion of the free liquid
surface decays due to damping forces created by viscous boundary layers. Basically, the
damping factor depends on the liquid height, liquid kinematics viscosity and tank
dimensions. From this point of view, we varied tank fill levels, tank excitation frequency
and amplitude to study effects on pressure response. The tank was excited rotationally
about a transverse axis through the tank center.
The objectives of this study are to develop an experimental system accounting for
the effects of large tank motions, large amplitude wave motions, fluid viscosity and
baffle arrangements (Akyıldız and Ünal, 2004; Akyıldız and Çelebi, 2001). Çelebi and
Akyıldız (2002) presented the liquid sloshing in the 2D tanks based on a finite
difference method. The Navier–Stokes equation with free boundary is solved using the
SOLA scheme. Kim (2001) investigated the sloshing flows in the 2 and 3D liquid
containers. The computational results were compared with experimental data and
showed a favorable agreement of impact pressure as well as the global fluid motion.
Sames et al. (2002) investigated sloshing in a rectangular tank with a baffle and in a
cylindrical tank. They predicted time traces of pressures and forces compared favorably
with measurements.
 H. Akyildiz, E. Ünal / Ocean Engineering 32 (2005) 1503–1516 1505

2. Experimental investigations

Liquid sloshing is a result of the motion of the partially filled tank. As the tank moves, it
supplies energy to sustain the fluid motion. When the frequency of the tank motion is close
to one of the natural frequencies of the fluid, large sloshing amplitudes can be expected.
For a given rectangular prismatic tank, the natural frequencies of the fluid depending on
the fill depth are given by:

u2n Z gnp
L
tanhð np
L
dÞ

where L is the tank width and d is the water depth and n is the mode number. Because of
the non-linear feature of the sloshing problem, resonance does not occur exactly at the
natural frequency of the fluid as computed from the above equation taking the mode
number nZ1, but at a frequency very close to that value. The liquid resonance frequency
shifts for different baffle arrangements, excitation amplitudes, liquid densities and
viscosities.
In this study, the problem was restricted to liquid sloshing in rectangular tank under
pitch oscillations. Many series of physical model investigations were carried out. A wide
model tank was built for the experiments in order to allow for 3D liquid motion. Thus, a
92 cm by 62 cm model tank, width of 46 cm or a 92!62!46 cm model tank. The tank
was designed with interchangeable internal structure arrangements. These internal
structure members were bottom transverse and side stringers. A larger baffle (15.4 cm
high) made of 1.5 cm Plexiglas plate was used for the bottom transverse and the left side
stringer. A smaller baffle (7.6 cm high) was also used for the right side stringer with the
same thickness. Nine pressure transducers were installed to monitor pressure distributions
at various locations. The locations of the pressure transducers and the baffle configurations
tested are shown in Fig. 1.
The test platform is shown in Fig. 2. It was specially designed for the sloshing experiments.
Thus, the tank is allowed to rotate freely about a transverse axis through the tank center. The
tank platform on the base frame was driven by DC motor (15 kW) controlling the rotational
oscillations. The testing system consists of an amplifier with analog–digital converter card for
wave probe and a data logger type 34970 A for pressure transducers.
Pressure variations were sensed by piezoresistive pressure transducers which were
installed on the end bulkhead of the model tank at various locations as shown in Fig. 1.
These gauge type transducers have sensitivity ranges from 0 to 1 bar G. Waves produced
in the model tank were transformed to the system using a twin wave electrode (see Fig. 2).
Water between the electrodes close the circuit and resistance varies for different water
levels. The results obtained as an electrical signal are amplified (Data logger for pressures)
and digitized by an analog–digital converter card. Finally, these signals are stored in the
computer and plotted as a pressure distribution and wave heights simultaneously.

2.1. Experimental facilities and procedures

A total of 17 test sequences involving 9 different tank configurations and 145 test runs
were carried out. For each sequence of test, a number of frequencies were tested. The fill
1506 H. Akyildiz, E. Ünal / Ocean Engineering 32 (2005) 1503–1516

7.6 cm

15.4 cm

46 cm

92 cm

6 cm 6 cm

10 5
9
9.6 cm 4
8
8.5 cm 23.5 cm
7
3
7.7 cm
30.5 cm
2
11 cm
6 1
6 cm 6 cm

Fig. 1. Locations of the pressure transducers and baffle configurations.

Fig. 2. Test platform.

 H. Akyildiz, E. Ünal / Ocean Engineering 32 (2005) 1503–1516 1507

Table 1
Test sequences

Case No. Fill depth Pitch angle Freq. ranges Transducer

(dZH*%) (q0 degree) (uR rad/s) locations
1 0.25 4 0.5–2.0 1,2,6
2 0.50 4 0.5–3.9 1,2,3,6
3 0.75 4 0.5–5.0 1,2,3,6,7,8,9
4 0.25 4 0.5–3.785 1,2,6
5 0.50 4 0.5–3.785 1,2,3,6,7,8
6 0.75 4 0.5–4.0 1,2,3,6,7,8,9
7 0.25 4 – –
8 0.50 4 0.5–3.785 1,2,3,6,7
9 0.75 4 0.5–3.785 1,2,3,6,7,8,9
1 0.25 8 0.5–2.0 1,2,6
2 0.50 8 0.5–3.3 1,2,3,6
3 0.75 8 0.5–4.0 1,2,3,6,7,8,9
4 0.25 8 0.5–2.6 1,2,6
5 0.50 8 0.5–3.0 1,2,3,6,7,8
6 0.75 8 0.5–3.49 1,2,3,6,7,8,9,10
7 0.25 8 1.6–3.785 1,2,6
8 0.50 8 0.5–3.0 1,2,3,6,7
9 0.75 8 0.5–3.0 1,2,3,6,7,8,9

depth, excitation amplitude, frequency of oscillation and the locations of the pressure
transducers are tabulated in Table 1.
For each test run, the tank was always started from an upright position with
predetermined frequency and excitation amplitudes. The tank will rotate for 2 min and
were monitored and recorded by the Agilant 34970 A data logger automatic data
acquisition system.

3. Analysis of experiments and discussions

As the rectangular tank oscillates, different sloshing waves will be created depending
on the liquid depth and frequency of oscillations. Four types of waves are possible.
Standing wave, traveling wave, hydraulic jump and combination of these. For a shallow
liquid oscillating at a frequency much lower than its resonance frequency, a standing wave
will be formed. As the frequency increases, the standing wave transforms into a train of
traveling waves of very short length. Hydraulic jump will take place due to a small
disturbance and appear over a range of frequencies near the resonance frequency. With the
further increase in frequency, the jump will pass into a solitary wave. For deeper liquid,
sloshing near the resonance is characterized by the formation of large amplitude standing
waves. These waves are asymmetric and, at large amplitude tank excitations may be
combined with traveling waves.
The sloshing liquid can create two types of dynamic pressure. They are called
non-impulsive and impulsive pressures. Impulsive pressures are rapid pressure pulses due
to the impact between the liquid and the solid surface. Such an impulsive pressures are
1508 H. Akyildiz, E. Ünal / Ocean Engineering 32 (2005) 1503–1516

much localized and extremely high pressures. They are usually associated with hydraulic
jumps and traveling waves. Non-impulsive pressures are the ordinary dynamic pressures
in an oscillating fluid. They are slowly varying pressures that result from standing waves.
The most severe impact pressures occur near the still water level or at the abrupt
intersections of the tank walls. The variation of these pressures is neither harmonic nor
periodic, even though the external excitation is harmonic. For a given liquid depth/tank
width ratio and frequency of oscillation, sloshing pressure is in general proportional to the
specific weight of the liquid, linear dimension of the tank and amplitude of excitation of
the tank. At high excitation amplitudes of the tank, sloshing pressure is less sensitive to the
excitation amplitude because of a non-linear softening effect.
The severity of sloshing and its accompanying dynamic pressure loads depend on the
tank geometry, the depth of the liquid, the amplitude and nature of the tank motions.
They also depend on the frequency of excitation over a range of frequencies close to the
natural frequency of the fluid. For shallow liquid depths, the sloshing is characterized by a
hydraulic jump. Under roll excitation, the liquid depth influences the frequency at which a
jump will occur and it decreases as liquid depth is increased. The range of frequencies
where jumps will exist is also influenced by the location of the roll axis. For roll
oscillations about a fixed axis, the sloshing wave amplitude increases linearly with the
excitation amplitude of the tank. The rate of increase is slower at the higher excitation
amplitudes of the tank. The effect of the fluid viscosity is present, but more uncertain.
However, viscosity does affect the sloshing wave amplitude at the resonance frequency. It
can also be said that it has a pronounced effect on surface waves such as spray and
breaking.
In the case no. 1, 25% fill depth in an unbaffled tank, increasing the amplitude from 4 to 88
led to increase in pressure, that is, increasing the excitation frequency increased pressure
response. Thus, it is found that excitation amplitude significantly affects sloshing loads (Fig. 3).

Tank Dimensions = 92 x 46 x 62 cm Case ( 1 ) Fill Depth = 0.25 x ( Height of Tank )

Natural Frequency : ωn = 4.025 r/s.

2.0
1.8
1.6
Pressure [kPa]

1.4
Pitch Angle
1.2 [Degree] : 4

1.0
Pitch Angle
0.8 [Degree] : 8

0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
0.0
1.3
2.4
3.5
4.6
5.7
6.9
8.0
9.1
10.2
11.3
12.5
13.6
14.7
15.8
16.9
18.1
19.2
20.3
21.4
22.5
23.7
24.8
25.9
27.0
28.1
29.2
30.4
31.5
32.6
33.7
34.8

Time [s]

Fig. 3. Changing pressure values for the roll frequencyZ2.0 rad/s at the transducer location no. 06,
unbaffled tank.
 H. Akyildiz, E. Ünal / Ocean Engineering 32 (2005) 1503–1516 1509

Tank Dimensions = 92 x 46 x 62 cm Case ( 2 ) Fill Depth = 0.50 x (Height of Tank)

Natural Frequency : ωn = 5.128 r/s.

3.5
3.3
3.1
Pressure [kPa]

2.9
Pitch Angle
2.7 [Degree] : 4
2.5
Pitch Angle
2.3 [Degree] : 8
2.1
1.9
1.7
1.5
10.2
11.3
12.5
13.6
14.7
15.8
16.9
18.1
19.2
20.3
21.4
22.5
23.7
24.8
25.9
27.0
28.1
29.2
30.4
31.5
32.6
33.7
34.8
0.0
1.3
2.4
3.5
4.6
5.7
6.9
8.0
9.1

Time [s]

Fig. 4. Changing pressure values for the roll frequencyZ2.0 rad/s at the transducer location no. 06, fill depth 50%,
unbaffled tank.

As the amplitude of excitation is increased, the liquid responds violently related to the
fluid motion such as the occurrence of turbulence, hydraulic jump, wave breaking and 3D
effects.
In the case no. 2, 50% fill depth in an unbaffled tank, the amount of the maximum
pressures for the roll amplitudes 4 and 88 are greater than that of the shallow water case
(Fig. 4).
In the case no. 3, 75% fill depth in an unbaffled tank, the amount of the maximum
pressures for the roll amplitudes 4 and 88 are greater than 50% fill depth and 25% fill depth.
It can be concluded that the rolling amplitude and frequency of the tank directly affected
the degrees of non-linearity of the sloshing phenomena with the increasing fill depth
(Figs. 5 and 6).

Tank Dimensions = 92 x 46 x 62 cm Case ( 3 ) Fill Depth = 0.75 x (Height of Tank)

Natural Frequency : wn = 5.551 r/s.

5.5
5.3
Pressure [ kPa ]

5.1
4.9
4.7 Pitch Angle
[Degree] : 4
4.5
4.3 Pitch Angle
[Degree] : 8
4.1
3.9
3.7
3.5
10.2
11.3
12.5
13.6
14.7
15.8
16.9
18.1
19.2
20.3
21.4
22.5
23.7
24.8
25.9
27.0
28.1
29.2
30.4
31.5
0.0
1.3
2.4
3.5
4.6
5.7
6.9
8.0
9.1

Time [s]

Fig. 5. Changing pressure values for the roll frequencyZ2.0 rad/s at the transducer location no. 06, fill depth 75%,
unbaffled tank.
1510 H. Akyildiz, E. Ünal / Ocean Engineering 32 (2005) 1503–1516

Maximum Pressure [kPa] 6.0

5.0

4.0
Pitch Angle = 4
3.0
Pitch Angle = 8
2.0

1.0

0.0
25% 50% 75%
Fill Depth

Fig. 6. Maximum pressure values for the roll frequencyZ2.0 rad/s at the transducer location no. 06,
unbaffled tank.

In the case no. 4, 25% fill depth in a vertical baffled tank, the effects of the vertical baffle
were most pronounced in shallow water, that is especially the over turning moment was
greatly reduced. Vertical baffle on liquid sloshing inside a tank revealed that the flow over
a vertical baffle produced a shear layer and energy was dissipated by the viscous action. It
can be concluded that the baffle located vertically on the center of the bottom of the tank
reduces the maximum pressures on the sides of the tank compared to the unbaffled tank
case, however, a significant pressure fluctuations occur due to the vertices at the both sides
of the vertical baffle (Figs. 7 and 8).
In the case no. 5, 50% fill depth in a vertical baffled tank, it can be concluded that the
effects of the vertical baffle were less pronounced as the fill depth increases. Vertical baffle
at the center of the bottom reduces the maximum pressures on the sides of the tank with

1.8

1.6
Pressure [kPa]

1.4
Pitch Angle
[Degree] : 4
1.2
Pitch Angle
1.0 [Degree] : 8

0.8

0.6
0.0
1.3

5.7
6.9

12.5

16.9
18.1

28.1
29.2

33.7
2.4
3.5
4.6

8.0
9.1
10.2
11.3

13.6
14.7
15.8

19.2
20.3
21.4
22.5
23.7
24.8
25.9
27.0

30.4
31.5
32.6

34.8

Time [s]

Fig. 7. Changing pressure values for the roll frequencyZ2.0 rad/s at the transducer location no. 06, fill depth 25%,
vertical baffled tank.
 H. Akyildiz, E. Ünal / Ocean Engineering 32 (2005) 1503–1516 1511

Tank Dimensions = 92 x 46 x 62 cm Case ( 4 ) Fill Depth = 0.25 x ( Height of Tank )

o
Natural Frequency : wn = 4.025 r/s. Roll Amp. θo = 4 ; Roll Freq. wR = 2.0 r/s

1.5
1.4
1.3
Pressure [kPa]

1.2
1.1 Unbaffled Tank
1.0
0.9
0.8 Vertical Baffled
Tank
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
11.9
13.2
14.5
15.8
17.1
18.4
19.7
0.0
1.5
2.8
4.1
5.4
6.7
8.0
9.3
10.6

21.0
22.3
23.7
25.0
26.3
27.6
28.9
30.2
31.5
32.8
34.1
35.4
Time [s]
2.0
1.8
1.6
Pressure [kPa]

1.4 Unbaffled Tank

1.2
1.0 Vertical Baffled
0.8 Tank
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
1.3

4.6

6.9

9.1

14.7

17.0

22.6

24.8

27.0

30.4

32.7

34.9
0.0

2.4
3.5

5.7

8.0

10.2
11.4
12.5
13.6

15.8

18.1
19.2
20.3
21.4

23.7

25.9

28.2
29.3

31.5

33.8
Time [s]

Fig. 8. Changing pressure values for the roll frequencyZ2.0 rad/s at the transducer location no. 06, fill depth 25%,
pitch angle (degree)Z4 and 88.

the increasing rolling amplitude, and also pressure fluctuations and viscous damping
effects decrease as the fill depth increases (Figs 9 and 10).
In the case no. 6, 75% fill depth in a vertical baffled tank, pressure fluctuations and
viscous damping much more decrease in this case (Figs. 11–13).

3.6
3.4
3.2
Pressure [kPa]

3.0
Pitch Angle
2.8 [Degree] : 4
2.6
Pitch Angle
2.4 [Degree] : 8

2.2
2.0
1.8
0.0
1.3
2.4
3.5
4.6
5.7
6.9
8.0
9.1
10.2
11.3
12.5
13.6
14.7
15.8
16.9
18.1
19.2
20.3
21.4
22.5
23.7
24.8
25.9
27.0
28.1
29.2
30.4
31.5
32.6
33.7
34.8

Time [s]

Fig. 9. Changing pressure values for the roll frequencyZ2.0 rad/s at the transducer location no. 06, fill depth 50%,
vertical baffled tank.
1512 H. Akyildiz, E. Ünal / Ocean Engineering 32 (2005) 1503–1516

Tank Dimensions = 92 x 46 x 62 cm Case ( 5 ) Fill Depth = 0.50 x ( Height of Tank )

Natural Frequency : wn = 5.128 r/s.

3.2
Pressure [ kPa ]

3.0
Unbaffled Tank
2.8

2.6 Vertical Baffled

Tank
2.4

2.2

2.0
10.2
11.3
12.5
13.6
14.7
15.8
16.9
18.1
19.2
20.3
21.4
22.5
23.7
24.8
25.9
27.0
28.1
29.2
30.4
31.5
32.6
33.7
34.8
0.0
1.3
2.4
3.5
4.6
5.7
6.9
8.0
9.1

Time [ s ]
3.6
3.4
Pressure [ kPa ]

3.2
3.0
2.8 Unbaffled Tank
2.6
2.4 Vertical Baffled Tank
2.2
2.0
1.8
1.6
10.2
11.4
12.5
13.6
14.7
15.8
17.0
18.1
19.2
20.3
21.4
22.6
23.7
24.8
25.9
27.0
28.2
29.3
30.4
31.5
32.7
33.8
34.9
0.0
1.3
2.4
3.5
4.6
5.7
6.9
8.0
9.1

Time [ s ]

Fig. 10. Changing pressure values for the roll frequencyZ2.0 rad/s at the transducer location no. 06, fill depth
50%, pitch angle (degree)Z4 and 88.

In the case no. 7, 25% fill depth in the combination of a right side horizontal baffle and a
vertical baffle, flow over a horizontal baffle exhibited a shallow water character, which
dissipated energy by forming a hydraulic jump and a breaking wave. Furthermore, it is
indicated that the horizontal baffle may enhance the traveling characteristics of

Tank Dimensions = 92 x 46 x 62 cm Case ( 6 ) Fill Depth = 0.75 x ( Height of Tank )

Natural Frequency : wn = 5.551 r/s.

5.2
5.0
Pressure [kPa]

4.8
4.6 Pitch Angle
4.4 [Degree] : 4

4.2 Pitch Angle

4.0 [Degree] : 8

3.8
3.6
3.4
10.2

12.5
13.6
14.7

16.9
18.1
19.2
20.3

22.5
23.7
24.8

27.0
28.1
29.2

32.6
33.7
34.8
11.3

15.8

21.4

25.9

30.4
31.5
2.4
3.5
4.6

6.9
8.0
9.1
0.0
1.3

5.7

Time [ s ]

Fig. 11. Changing pressure values for the roll frequencyZ2.0 rad/s at the transducer location no. 06, fill depth
75%, vertical baffled tank.
 H. Akyildiz, E. Ünal / Ocean Engineering 32 (2005) 1503–1516 1513

4.6
4.5
4.4
Pressure [ kPa ]

4.3
4.2 Unbaffled Tank

4.1
4.0 Vertical Baffled
Tank
3.9
3.8
3.7
3.6
0.0
1.3
2.4
3.5
4.6
5.7
6.9
8.0
9.1
10.2
11.3
12.5
13.6
14.7
15.8
16.9
18.1
19.2
20.3
21.4
22.5
23.7
24.8
25.9
27.0
28.1
29.2
30.4
31.5
32.6
33.7
34.8
Time [s]
5.6

5.2
Pressure [ kPa ]

4.8
Unbaffled Tank
4.4
Vertical Baffled
4.0 Tank

3.6

3.2
0.0
1.3
2.4
3.5
4.6
5.7
6.9
8.0
9.1
10.2
11.4
12.5
13.6
14.7
15.8
17.0
18.1
19.2
20.3
21.4
22.6
23.7
24.8
25.9
27.0
28.2
29.3
30.4
31.5
Time [s]

Fig. 12. Changing pressure values for the roll frequencyZ2.0 rad/s at the transducer location no. 06, fill depth
75%, pitch angle (degree)Z4 and 88.

the sloshing wave, which could result in a higher slamming pressure. As the amplitude of
excitation is increased, the liquid responds violently related to the fluid motion such as
wave breaking and 3D effects (Fig. 14).
In the case no. 8, 50% fill depth in the combination of a right side horizontal baffle and a
vertical baffle, the amount of maximum pressures decrease as the fill depth and the rolling

6.0
Maximum Pressure [kPa]

5.0
4.0
Pitch Angle = 4
3.0
Pitch Angle = 8
2.0
1.0
0.0
25% 50% 75%
Fill Depth

Fig. 13. Maximum pressure values for the roll frequencyZ2.0 rad/s at the transducer location no. 06, vertical
baffled tank.
1514 H. Akyildiz, E. Ünal / Ocean Engineering 32 (2005) 1503–1516

Tank Dimensions = 92 x 46 x 62 cm Case ( 7 ) Fill Depth = 0.25 x ( Height of Tank )

Natural Frequency : wn = 4.025 r/s.
Pressure Transducer No : 06
1.800
p [kPa]
Pressure [kPa]

1.600 max
1.400 1.646
1.200
1.000
0.800
0.600
10.5
12.0
13.4
14.9
16.4
17.9
19.4
20.9
22.4
23.9
25.3
26.8
28.3
29.8
31.3
32.8
34.3
35.8
37.3
38.7
40.2
41.7
43.2
44.7
46.2
47.7
49.2
50.7
52.1
53.6
55.1
56.6
58.1
0.0
1.5
3.0
4.5
6.0
7.5
9.0

Time [s]
2.0
1.8
1.6
Pressure [kPa]

1.4 Unbaffled Tank

1.2
Vertical Baffled
1.0 Tank
0.8 Vertical&Horizontal
Baffled Tank
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
0.0
1.3
2.4
3.5
4.6
5.7
6.9
8.0
9.1
10.2
11.4
12.5
13.6
14.7
15.8
17.0
18.1
19.2
20.3
21.4
22.6
23.7
24.8
25.9
27.0
28.2
29.3
30.4
31.5
32.7
33.8
34.9
Time [s]

Fig. 14. Changing pressure values for the roll frequencyZ2.0 rad/s at the transducer location no. 06, fill depth
25%, pitch angle (degree)Z88.

amplitude increase compared to the vertical baffled case. Therefore, it is concluded that
a side horizontal baffle represents shallow water effects in deep water case and may
enhance the traveling characteristics of the sloshing wave. This causes higher slamming
pressures (Fig. 15).
In the case no. 9, 75% fill depth in the combination of horizontal baffles at both sides
with different height and a vertical baffle, increasing fill depth bring about a much more

Tank Dimensions = 92 x 46 x 62 cm Case ( 8 ) Fill Depth = 0.50 x (Height of Tank)

Natural Frequency : wn = 5.128 r/s.
3.6
3.4
Pressure [ kPa ]

3.2
3.0
Pitch Angle
2.8
[Degree] : 4
2.6
2.4 Pitch Angle
[Degree] : 8
2.2
2.0
1.8
1.6
10.2
11.3
12.5
13.6
14.7
15.8
16.9
18.1
19.2
20.3
21.4
22.5
23.7
24.8
25.9
27.0
28.1
29.2
30.4
31.5
32.6
33.7
34.8
0.0
1.3
2.4
3.5
4.6
5.7
6.9
8.0
9.1

Time [ s ]

Fig. 15. Changing pressure values for the roll frequencyZ2.0 rad/s at the transducer location no. 06, fill depth
50%, vertical and horizontal baffled tank.
 H. Akyildiz, E. Ünal / Ocean Engineering 32 (2005) 1503–1516 1515

5.2
5.0
4.8
Pressure [kPa]

4.6
Pitch Angle
4.4 [Degree] : 4
4.2
4.0 Pitch Angle
[Degree] : 8
3.8
3.6
3.4
3.2
0.0
1.3
2.4
3.5
4.6
5.7
6.9
8.0
9.1
10.2
11.3
12.5
13.6
14.7
15.8
16.9
18.1
19.2
20.3
21.4
22.5
23.7
24.8
25.9
27.0
28.1
29.2
30.4
31.5
32.6
33.7
34.8
Time [s]

Fig. 16. Changing pressure values for the roll frequencyZ2.0 rad/s at the transducer location no. 06, fill depth
75%, vertical and horizontal baffled tank.

slamming pressures, because the horizontal baffles on the sides represent a shallow water
effects in deep water cases and consequently enhance the traveling characteristics of the
sloshing wave. As the amplitude of excitation and the forcing frequency are increased, the
liquid responds violently due to the 3D effects (Figs. 16–18).

Tank Dimensions = 92 x 46 x 62 cm Case ( 9 ) Fill Depth = 0.75 x ( Height of Tank )

Natural Frequency : wn = 5.551 r/s.
4.7
4.6
Pressure [ kPa ]

4.5
4.4
Unbaffled Tank
4.3
4.2
Vertical Baffled
4.1 Tank
4.0 Vertical&Horizontal
3.9 Baffled Tank
3.8
3.7
10.2
11.3
12.5
13.6
14.7
15.8
16.9
18.1
19.2
20.3
21.4
22.5
23.7
24.8
25.9
27.0
28.1
29.2
30.4
31.5
32.6
33.7
34.8
0.0
1.3
2.4
3.5
4.6
5.7
6.9
8.0
9.1

Time [ s ]
5.4
5.2
5.0
Pressure [ kPa ]

4.8
Unbaffled Tank
4.6
4.4 Vertical Baffled Tank
4.2
4.0 Vertical&Horizontal
Baffled Tank
3.8
3.6
3.4
3.2
10.2
11.4
12.5
13.6
14.7
15.8
17.0
18.1
19.2
20.3
21.4
22.6
23.7
24.8
25.9
27.0
28.2
29.3
30.4
31.5
0.0
1.3
2.4
3.5
4.6
5.7
6.9
8.0
9.1

Time [ s ]

Fig. 17. Changing pressure values for the roll frequencyZ2.0 rad/s at the transducer location no. 06, fill depth
75%, pitch angle (degree)Z4 and 88.
1516 H. Akyildiz, E. Ünal / Ocean Engineering 32 (2005) 1503–1516

6.0
Maximum Pressure [kPa]

5.0
4.0
Pitch Angle = 4
3.0
Pitch Angle = 8
2.0
1.0
0.0
25% 50% 75%
Fill Depth

Fig. 18. Maximum pressure values for the roll frequencyZ2.0 rad/s at the transducer location no. 06, vertical and
horizontal baffled tank.

4. Conclusions

Sloshing in a rectangular tank at a model scale with various fill levels and baffles was
experimentally investigated. Excitation parameters were systematically changed to assess
the sensitivity of sloshing loads. It can be concluded that baffles significantly reduce fluid
motion and also more experimental investigations are needed considering the effects of
fluid viscosity on impact pressures. Furthermore, model studies for sloshing under
multi-component random excitations with phase difference should be carried out to
investigate sloshing loads.

Acknowledgements

This work was carried out under a contract awarded by the Research Fund of Istanbul
Technical University. Their financial support is gratefully acknowledged.

References

Akyıldız, H., Çelebi, M.S., 2001. A liquid sloshing in a moving rectangular tank. I.T.U Faculty of Naval
Architecture and Ocean Engineering. Department of Ocean Engineering, Final Report, TR 01/02.
Akyıldız, H., Ünal, E., 2004. Experimental studies on liquid sloshing. I.T.U Faculty of Naval Architecture and
Ocean Engineering. Department of Ocean Engineering, Final Report, TR 04/03.
Çelebi, M.S., Akyıldız, H., 2002. Nonlinear modeling of liquid sloshing in a moving rectangular tank. Ocean
Engineering 29 (12), 1527–1553.
Kim, Y., 2001. Numerical simulation of sloshing flows with impact load. Applied Ocean Research 23, 53–62.
Sames, P.C., Marcouly, D., Schellin, E.T., 2002. Sloshing in rectangular and cylindrical tanks. Journal of Ship
Research 46 (3), 186–200.