AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF SLOSHING IN WATER TANKS UNDER SEISMIC CONDITION

Abstract

Sloshing is defined as the movement of liquid surface inside a tank. For sloshing, it is necessary to have a free surface of liquid. It encompasses a wide spectrum of problems in engineering interests. Study of sloshing phenomenon in water tanks is very vital during the event of earthquake because water tanks play a key role in relief operations after disasters. Thus, securing water for domestic purposes and fire control operations until the restoration of uninterrupted water supply is very important for disaster victims. During earthquakes, additional fluid pressure is exerted on the walls of the water tank. Therefore, a detailed analysis of the water storage tanks during seismic excitations is crucial for safe design of the water tanks. It is observed that water tanks that were inadequately designed suffered considerable damage in past earthquakes. In this study, a rectangular model of water tank is excited at its natural frequency for various conditions. The experimental programme included the study of the effect of various parameters on the sloshing behaviour of water inside the tank. Different levels of water inside the tank, location of baffle walls (used to moderate sloshing) inside the tank, type of baffle walls in terms of induced perforations inside them and the extent and placement of perforations of baffle walls where some parameters involved in the study. Results of the above mentioned parameters on the sloshing of water have been reported in this dissertation report. It is appreciated that study of these parameters may be useful in providing optimum designs of water tanks.