Finite element modeling of rectangular storage tanks considering fluid-structure interaction

In this study, dynamic response of a rectangular storage tank under earthquake excitation is investigated. A finite element model of tank is developed, to perform dynamic analysis. Modeling a storage tank has many complexities such as property extraction of restricted fluid in a storage tank and fluid-structure interaction. The tank is modeled using plane strain element and the fluid-structure interaction is considered by modeling water as displacement-based Lagrangian approximation. The finite element model is validated utilizing a previous experimental study. Comparing the results of the experiment and finite element model, shows good agreement. Finally, some responses of the model such as liquid sloshing, hydrodynamic pressure on the tank walls and roof response are discussed and the results are compared.

Keywords:

Liquid Storage tanks , Fluid-Structure interaction , Finite Element model , Fast Nonlinear Analysis