Experimental validation of a particle finite element model for sloshing in a horizontal tank with circular cross-section

This study investigates the sloshing in a horizontal tank with circular cross section. A frequency sweep is performed around the first natural frequency, combined with different filling levels. The free-surface elevation is measured using ultrasonic sensors at predefined control points. In addition, the experiments are recorded using a high-speed camera, which allows to determine by image post-processing the entire free surface during the time-periodic regime along the cross section of the tank. Ultrasonic measurements and image-tracked wave heights are compared to ensure the consistency of the experimental data. Some experimental cases are further numerically modeled using a particle finite element method approach. In the simulations, the response is evaluated at the same control points used in the experiments, enabling a direct comparison of the free-surface dynamics. In spite that the numerical analysis is restricted to two-dimensional configurations, a satisfactorily experimental validation of the computed results is obtained, confirming that the numerical method is able to accurately predict the transient free-surface behavior.