Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations of Nonlinear Sloshing in a Rotating Rectangular Tank Using the Level Set Method

In this paper, numerical simulations of nonlinear sloshing in rectangular tanks are presented. Model implementations in the open source software reef3d are tested, and the results are compared with experimental data from three different conditions. The interface location is compared for both linear and nonlinear sloshing. The nonlinear sloshing is simulated in both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D). Video images from the SPHERIC project are compared with simulations for the interface. A condition with lateral wave impacts in sloshing, with a frequency close to the natural frequency of the first mode, can be found in this case. The numerical model is solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations with the k–ω turbulence model. The level set method is used to capture the interface. Higher order discretization schemes are implemented to handle time-evolution and convective fluxes. A ghost cell method is used to account for solid boundaries and parallel computations. It is found that the limiting factor for the eddy-viscosity has significant influence in the nonlinear sloshing cases. As the sloshing becomes more violent, the increased strain at the gas–liquid interface overproduces turbulence energy with unrealistically high damping of the motion. Three-dimensional simulations show slightly better comparison than 2D. Due to nonlinearities and small damping, the time to reach steady-state may take several cycles. The last case shows promising results for the global motion. As expected, the breakup of the liquid surface makes it difficult to resolve each phase. But overall, the numerical model predicts the sloshing motion reasonably well.