Finite Element Analysis of Sloshing in Horizontal-Cylindrical Industrial Vessels Under Earthquake Loading

The present paper presents a finite-element formulation for earthquake-induced sloshing in horizontal-cylindrical industrial vessels. Assuming small-amplitude free-surface elevation, a linearized sloshing problem is obtained, which provides very good results in comparison with other analytical or numerical solutions, and available experimental data. The paper is aimed at calculating sloshing frequencies, as well as sloshing transient response under horizontal seismic excitation. Based on an “impulsive-convective” decomposition of the container-fluid motion, an efficient methodology is proposed for the calculation of the total seismic force, through the corresponding sloshing masses. The results from the present finite element analysis offers an efficient tool for predicting the total seismic force in horizontal cylinders and extends the current design practice for vertical cylindrical tanks stated in existing seismic design specifications.