A numerical study of non-linear dynamics in a tank for aerospace applications

A two-dimensional rectangular open tank, filled with an inviscid incompressible fluid, is forced to oscillate harmonically along the horizontal direction. The fluid movement has been simulated by means of a numerical code based on the Laplace equation, coupled with non-linear boundary conditions. The governing equation has been discretized using a finite volume technique on a grid updated at each time step. High accuracy is ensured. The hydrodynamic forces acting on the walls of the tank have also been evaluated. Numerical results are presented for different values of the external excitation frequency. (C) 2004 IMACS. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.