Sloshing analysis of a fuel tank using the moving particle semi-implicit method

Abstract

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has allowed engineers to simulate a great number of complex problems that otherwise could not be solved theoretically. However, certain applications have been reduced to complex simulations that were believed to be impossible to perform. In recent years, new particle-based methods such as smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) and moving particle semi-implicit method have allowed a re-review of these applications, and one clear example of their newly found avail- able execution is the sloshing simulations. This dissertation focuses on the development of a new capability that exploits particle-based simulation advantages, specifically to study sloshing forces on fuel tanks in combines machinery. A theoretical review on the mathematical framework for such methods was performed in order to comprehend the basics behind these simulation softwares, along with a discussion on their advantages and limitations of such methods. Then a sloshing benchmark study with a sensitivity test is conducted to analyze distinct features within the Particleworks software. A high correlation between lab data and simulation data was found, establishing confidence and expertise for the following fuel tank analysis. Images at different time-steps and pressure mapping for three fuel level cases are presented on the tank analysis. Finally, a volume-of-fraction (VoF) method comparison is also provided.