Effect of anti-slosh baffles on free liquid oscillations in partially filled horizontal circular tanks

An exact two dimensional hydrodynamic analysis based on the linear potential theory is introduced to study the free liquid sloshing characteristics of transverse oscillation modes in a non-deformable horizontal circular cylindrical baffled container which is filled to an arbitrary depth with an inviscid incompressible liquid. Three common baffle configurations are considered: a pair of internal rigid horizontal side baffles of arbitrary extension installed at the free liquid surface, and a surface-piercing or a bottom-mounted vertical rigid baffle of arbitrary extension positioned along the tank vertical axis of symmetry. The problem solution is obtained by the method of successive conformal coordinate transformations, leading to standard truncated matrix eigenvalue problems on simple (rectangular) regions which are then solved numerically for the resonance eigen-frequencies. The effects of liquid fill level, baffle arrangement and length upon the three lowest antisymmetric and symmetric sloshing frequencies and the associated hydrodynamic pressure mode shapes are examined. Also, convergence of the adopted approach with respect to the fill condition, and baffle type/extension is discussed. Limiting cases are considered and the validity of results is established in comparison with the data in the existing literature. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.