Three-Dimensional Finite-Element Computation For the Sloshing Impact Pressure In LNG Tank

Abstract

A three-dimensional finite-element method is developed to calculate the impact pressure due to liquid sloshing in LNG tank. Emphasis is made on the three-dimensional effect on the impact pressure at the tank corners and upper chamfers at the partial filling conditions. The finiteelement method presented here is based on velocity potential theory and Hamilton’s principle. Tank motion is assumed to be in translation motion. As a validation of the developed numerical scheme, the impact sloshing pressure is compared with experiments and previous numerical results. The comparison of the impact pressure due to diagonal motion with the previous two-dimensional impact load shows that three-dimensional effect needs to be considered to estimate correct impact pressure at the upper corners.