Influence of baffle position on liquid sloshing during braking and turning of a tank truck

The influence of baffle position on liquid sloshing during the braking and turning of a tank truck was studied using a volume of fluid (VOF) model. The forces, their positions and weight distribution during braking and the forces and rolling moment during turning were calculated. The reliability of the calculation method was validated by comparisons with experimental results. The results showed that during braking, liquid splashes in the tank and the maximum forces and G (the ratio of weight acting on the front axle to the rear axle) are large when A (the ratio of the arch area above the baffle to the area of cross section)≤0.1. When A≥0.2, as the position of the baffle is lowered, the maximum of Fx (the force in direction x) first decreases then increases, and the maximum of Fy (the force in direction y) and G increase. During turning, liquid splashes in the tank and the maximum forces and M (the rolling moment) are large when D (the ratio of the arch area above the baffle to the area of cross section)≤0.2. When D≥0.3, as the position of the baffle is lowered, the maximums of Fy, Fz (the force in direction z) and M increase.