Effect of tank shape on roll dynamic response of an articulated vehicle carrying liquids

Abstract

In this paper the directional response and roll stability characteristics of a partly filled tractor semi-trailer vehicle, with different tank shapes, under different parameters and conditions are investigated. The effective parameters and conditions in the stability of a tractor semi-trailer carrying liquid can be considered as tank shape, fill volume and vehicle steering input. The dynamic interaction of liquid cargo with the tractor semi-trailer vehicle is evaluated by integrating a dynamic slosh model of the partly filled tank with five-degrees-of-freedom of a tractor semi-trailer tank. The vehicle model is analysed for the different tank cross-sections, circular, modified-oval and reuleaux triangle. The dynamic fluid slosh within the tank is modelled using three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations, coupled with the volume-of-fluid equations and analysed by using the FLUENT software. The coupled tank-vehicle model is subsequently analysed to determine the roll stability characteristics for different cross-sections of tank, fill volumes and manoeuvres.