Study of sloshing in spherical tanks in pendulum motion

• Grant number: 25/24112-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2026
• End date: January 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Transportation Engineering - Transportation Operations
• Principal Investigator: Bruno Souza Carmo
• Grantee: Manuela Issi Bastos
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) on transoceanic voyages has become increasingly common. The spherical tank model on LNG tankers is widely used because it offers high structural strength and thermal efficiency. On this type of voyage, oscillations are common during navigation, which can generate the phenomenon of sloshing, an oscillatory movement of the free fluid in the partially filled container. This phenomenon, if not properly analyzed, can physically compromise the tank, making mathematical analysis and modeling of such an event urgent. Therefore, this research seeks to investigate the sloshing phenomenon by analyzing how the fluid dynamics are altered when the amplitude of the movement and the amount of liquid in the tank change. To this end, the work will focus on a comprehensive experimental methodology, reproducing sloshing through a pendulum motion applied to a spherical tank partially filled with water. Force sensors and optical sensors will be used to collect data. The results will be compared to theoretical predictions made through mathematical modeling using potential flow theory and shallow water theory. (AU)