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Procedia Engineering 111 (2015) 115 – 120

XXIV R-S-P seminar, Theoretical Foundation of Civil Engineering (24RSP) (TFoCE 2015)

Numerical simulation of oil tank behavior under seismic excitation.

fluid – structure interaction problem solution
Alexandr M.Belostotskiya, Pavel A.Akimovb, Irina N.Afanasyevac, Anton R.Usmanovd,
Sergey V.Scherbinae, Vladislav V.Vershinin f *
a
Head of Research and Educational Center of Computational Simulation of Unique Structures, Professor, Moscow State University of Civil
Engineering,26, Yaroslavskoye Shosse, Moscow 129337, Russia
b
Senior Researcher of Research and Educational Center of Computational Simulation of Unique Structures, Moscow State University of Civil
Engineering,26, Yaroslavskoye Shosse, Moscow 129337, Russia
c,d,e,f
Assistant of Research and Educational Center of Computational Simulation of Unique Structures, Moscow State University of Civil
Engineering,26, Yaroslavskoye Shosse, Moscow 129337, Russia

Abstract

The present paper is devoted to numerical simulation of sloshing inside a partially filled cylindrical thin-wall tank induced by
seismic loads. During the calculations fluid structure interaction (FSI) problems are taken into account. The numerical
simulations are performed for both linear (Lagrangian formulation – ANSYS Mechanical) and nonlinear (arbitrary Lagrangian-
Eulerian formulation – ABAQUS/Explicit) conditions. Problem formulation, finite element discretization, simultaneous and
partitioned solution procedures are discussed. As an example designed and/or already erected oil tank are considered. The results
obtained are compared with an analytical solution and domestic code technique.
© 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.
© 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
Peer-review under responsibility of organizing committee of the XXIV R-S-P seminar, Theoretical Foundation of Civil
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Engineering
Peer-review (24RSP)
under responsibility of organizing committee of the XXIV R-S-P seminar, Theoretical Foundation of Civil Engineering (24RSP)

Keywords: Wave sloshing; Free surface flow; Liquid storage tank; Finite element (FE) methods; Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian formulation;
Lagrangian formulation; ANSYS Mechanical; ABAQUS/Explicit.

* Corresponding author. Tel.: +7-926-177-60-43; fax: +7-499-183-59-94.

E-mail address: niccm@mgsu.ru

1877-7058 © 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Peer-review under responsibility of organizing committee of the XXIV R-S-P seminar, Theoretical Foundation of Civil Engineering (24RSP)
doi:10.1016/j.proeng.2015.07.064
116 Alexandr M. Belostotskiy et al. / Procedia Engineering 111 (2015) 115 – 120

1. Introduction

Fluid structure interaction problems represent a large and continuing interest in science, industry and other
applications. A prerequisite for a detailed study of the aerohydroelasticity nature and searching of the appropriate
solution methods related to civil engineering problems has served a number of tragic cases of collapse (such as
Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse in 1940; cooling towers collapse at the Ferrybridge Power Stationin in 1965;
destruction of the tanks as a result of interaction with the fluid after seismic impact in Japan 1955 (Kobe), 2003
(Tomakomai)).
Coupled three-dimensional dynamical problems of aerohydroelasticity is very far from being complete solved and
require scientific-methodical, software and algorithmic development and research. Analysis of existing engineering
methodic and domestic design codes and procedures showed that they require significant improvements and
development.
In order to solve the practical knowledge-intensive problems the numerical simulation is basic and, in fact, no
alternative approach. Existing mathematical models and numerical methods allow to study dynamic behavior of
complex three-dimensional aerohydroelasticity coupled systems directly [1, 2, 3]. For the purposes of this research
the universal software application packages for numerical simulation of continuum mechanics (ANSYS Mechanical,
ANSYS CFD, Abaqus\Explicit) were used [4, 5].

2. Mathematical formulation [2, 3]

Lagrangian formulation of basic momentum equations (1) is normally employed to model the behavior of solid
structure:

w 2u B (1)
U ’ ˜W  f
wt 2

where: U – density; u – vector of displacements; t – time; W – stress tensor; f B – vector of externally applied
forces.
The dynamic behavior of a liquid/gas is described by the classical Navier-Stokes equations. It is assumed that
both laminar and turbulent flows obey these equations. The momentum equations of an incompressible Newtonian
fluid (Navier-Stokes equations) in the ALE (arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian) formulation have the form:

wU (2)
U  U [(U  Uˆ ) ˜ ’]U ’ ˜W  f B

wt

wU
 (U  Uˆ ) ˜ ’U  U’ ˜ U 0 (3)
wt

we
U  U (U  Uˆ ) ˜ ’e W ˜ D  ’ ˜ q  q B
wt (4)

ZKHUH ȡ – WKH IOXLG GHQVLW\ ȡ  FRQVW IRU DQ LQFRPSUHVVLEOH IOXLG RU JDV U – fluid velocity; Û – coordinate
system velocity; W – stress tensor in fluid; f B – the vector of externally applied forces in fluid; e – specific internal
energy; D – strain rate tensor.
To model multiphase flow the Euler formulation with free surface technique is used. Interaction between
different phases (liquid and gas) is taken into account by inserting additional variable – volume fraction [4, 5].
When the interaction of the viscous liquid flow with a solid medium occurs, equilibrium and compatibility
equations must be performed on the contact surface:
 Alexandr M. Belostotskiy et al. / Procedia Engineering 111 (2015) 115 – 120 117

WS ˜n WF ˜n (5)

u I (t ) uˆ I (t ) (6)

I
u I (t ) U I (t ) Uˆ (t ) (8)

u I (t ) U (t ) Uˆ I (t )
I
(9)

where: n – normal vector to the contact surface; u – vector of structure displacements; û – vector of fluid
displacements at the contact surface; U – fluid velocity; Û – coordinate system velocity; superscripts I, S, F denote
contact surface, solid and liquid respectively.
Numerical approximation of the basic equations typically is performed by finite element method (for structures
and fluid) and finite volumes method (for liquid). To solve the above problem depending on its nature direct or
iterative algorithms are used. Calculation of the coupled systems "structure – liquid" reduces to direct integration
over time of momentum equations. Implicit or explicit schemes with options of different termination condition are
used.

3. Verification of the developed technique of numerical simulation [1, 6]

Numerical modeling technique of fluid tank behavior under seismic excitation was developed, verificated and
approbated. Multivariate verification computational studies of static and dynamic behavior of liquid in the tank
(different levels of water were tested) taking into account the interaction with the thin-walled experimental model of
tank on a movable frame were carried out. Static loads (own weight and hydrostatics) and the different pulse
duration impact were applied.

a) b) c)

d)

Fig. 1. a) Experimental model of the cylindrical water tank (scale 1:17.5); b), c) «ideal» FE-model of the experimental model and d) FE-model of
the experimental model with initial imperfections of the shell (Lagrangian formulation, FLUID 80, ANSYS Mechanical).
118 Alexandr M. Belostotskiy et al. / Procedia Engineering 111 (2015) 115 – 120

At the validation stage of the developed detailed finite element models of the hydroelastic system (check the
adequacy of the selected FE (FLUID80 and SHELL181), specified boundary conditions at the contact areas of the
liquid with the reservoir structure and the contact zones of the bottom of the tank to the frame) modal and static
analysis was conducted. Ideal numerical model and model with initial imperfections of the shell (experimental
model) were tested (Fig. 1).
Comparative model analysis showed that the eigenfrequencies of the empty elastic tank (~152 Hz) lie in the
range two orders of magnitude higher than the eigenfrequencies of the coupled hydroelastic system (~1 Hz). This
fact should be expected that the dynamic behavior of the system in the low frequency range will be reduced to the
sloshing of the liquid in the tank with rigid walls. Comparative model analysis for model with and without initial
imperfections of the shell showed that the eigenfrequencies are very sensitive to such geometrical imperfections.
This fact should be expected that the dynamic behavior of the shell will depend on it too. It leads to mismatching
between numerical and experimental results (stress - strain state parameters of the shell).
The main results showed that the dynamic response of the hydroelastic system occurs at a system-wide low
frequency determined by the spring constant and the mass installation. Complex dynamic forms of wave into the
tank were identified for different levels of water. At the same time good quality (wave form of liquid) and
quantitative (wave height) matching of numerical results with experimental data (error is less than 5%) were
achieved (Fig. 2).

a) b)

Fig. 2. The shape and the height of the wave at time t = 3.4 (s) after impact. The maximum wave height 7.5 cm. a) Experimental results; b) results
of numerical simulationl (Lagrangian formulation, FLUID 80, ANSYS Mechanical).

4. Approbation of the developed technique of numerical simulation [1, 6]

Practically important and complex real hydroelastic system "thin-walled tank with floating roof - oil" capacity of
50 000 m3 (Fig. 4) located in seismic zone was chosen for approbation of the developed numerical technique.
Dynamic stress-strain state of the tank structures and wave formation on the surface of the liquid were simulated
under an 8-point seismic impact given the earthquake accelerograms (Fig. 3). For solving this coupled problem
alternative numerical approaches (Lagrangian formulation – ANSYS Mechanical and ALE – ABAQUS/Explicit)
were used.
At the validation stage of the developed detailed finite element models of the hydroelastic system modal and
static analysis were conducted.

Fig. 3. Applied seismic excitation (8-point of magnitude accelerogram)

 Alexandr M. Belostotskiy et al. / Procedia Engineering 111 (2015) 115 – 120 119

a) b)

Fig. 4. a) Real object of research – the oil tank RVSPA-50000, b) FE-model of the oil tank RVSPA-50000
(Lagrangian formulation, FLUID 80, ANSYS Mechanical).

Practically close values of the main criterion parameters of dynamic stress-strain state (eigenfrequencies and
mode shapes, height and shape of the waves of oil, displacements, the maximum component of principal and
equivalent strains and stresses) were obtained by two alternative numerical approaches: Lagrange formulation
implemented in ANSYS Mechanical, and ALE formulation implemented in ABAQUS/Explicit. The calculations
were carried out with and without taking into account the floating roof. Shown that the values of stress-strain state in
reservoir structures, where the interaction between free surface or floating roof with thin wall occurs, are close. But
maximum wave height (for the case with floating roof) increased by flattening of water surface (Fig. 5).

a)

b)

Fig. 5. Results of numerical simulation of oil tank behavior under seismic excitation:
a) oil tank RVSPA-50000 without floating roof, b) oil tank RVSPA-50000 with floating roof.
120 Alexandr M. Belostotskiy et al. / Procedia Engineering 111 (2015) 115 – 120

5. Conclusions

Analysis of existing engineering methodic and domestic design codes and procedures showed that they require
significant improvements and development. In order to solve the practical knowledge-intensive FSI problems the
technique of numerical simulation, based on existing mathematical models and numerical methods allowed to study
dynamic behavior of complex three-dimensional aerohydroelasticity coupled systems directly, was developed. For
the purposes of this research the universal software application packages for numerical simulation of continuum
mechanics (ANSYS Mechanical, ANSYS CFD, Abaqus\Explicit) were used.
Based on the results obtained the verification and approbation computational research showed practical
importance and efficiency of the developed technique of numerical simulation of oil tank behavior under seismic
excitation. But further investigations are desired.

References

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Analysis of Fluid – Structure Interaction Problems.// Procedia Engineering, Volume 91, 2014, pp 37–42.
[2] K. J. Bathe, Finite Element Procedures.//Prentice-Hall, New York, 1996.
[3] K. J. Bathe, H. Zhang, X. Zhang, Some advances in the analysis of fluid flows. //Computers& Structures, 1997, Vol. 64, pp. 909-930.
[4] ANSYS, Inc., ANSYS 14.5 Help, 2013.
[5] Dassault Systèmes (2010), ABAQUS Documentation.
[6] I. N. Afanasyeva, Adaptive technique of numerical simulation of three-dimensional dynamic problems of civil aerohydroelasticity.//
PhD thesis, Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, 2014.