A new ALE formualtion for sloshing analysis

Abstract

Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian finite element methods gain interest for the capability to control mesh geometry independently from material geometry, the ALE methods are used to create a new undistorted mesh for the fluid domain. In this paper we use the ALE technique to solve fuel slosh problem. Fuel slosh is an important design consideration not only for the fuel tank, but also for the structure supporting the fuel tank. "Fuel slosh" can be generated by many ways: abrupt changes in acceleration (braking), as well as abrupt changes in direction (highway exit-ramp). Repetitive motion can also be involved if a "sloshing resonance" is generated. These sloshing events can in turn affect the overall performance of the parent structure. A finite element analysis method has been developed to analyze this complex event. A new ALE formulation for the fluid mesh has been developed to keep the fluid mesh integrity during the motion of the tank. This paper explains the analysis capabilities on a technical level. Following the explanation, the analysis capabilities are validated against theoretical using potential flow for calculating fuel slosh frequency.