Numerical simulation of liquid sloshing in a spherical tank by MPS method

Abstract

This paper investigates the sloshing phenomena in a spherical liquid tank using the moving particle semi-implicit (MPS) method, a crucial study in fluid dynamics. Distinct from previous research focused on rectangular or LNG tanks, this work explores the unique motion patterns inherent to spherical geometries. The accuracy of our in-house MPS solver MLParticle-SJTU is validated against experimental data and finite volume method (FVM). And the MPS method reveals a closer alignment with experimental outcomes, which suggests that MPS method is particularly effective for modeling complex, non-linear fluid behaviors. Then the fluid’s response to excitation at its natural frequency is simulated, showcasing vigorous sloshing and rotational motion. Detailed analyses of the fluid motion are conducted by drawing streamline diagrams, velocity vector diagrams, and vorticity maps. The fluid’s motion response is explored using both time-domain and frequency-domain curves of the fluid centroid, as well as the sloshing force.