Experimental Validation of a Coupled Fluid-Multibody Dynamics Model for Tanker Trucks

Abstract

A time-accurate finite element model for predicting the coupled dynamic response of tanker trucks and their liquid payloads is presented along with an experimental validation of the model. The tanker truck components are modeled using rigid bodies, flexible bodies, joints and actuators. The model is validated using a full-scale army heavy class tactical trailer carrying a water tank. The trailer is placed on an n-post motion base simulator which was used to perform harmonic/ramp pitch, roll and stir excitations of the trailer in order to simulate typical road maneuvers. Experiments were carried out with an empty tank and a 65%-filled tank. The time-histories of the tires and suspension system deflections are measured for the various input motion excitations. The experiment's measurements are compared with the results predicted using the computational model. The comparison shows that the model can predict with reasonably good accuracy the test tanker-trailer's dynamic response.

Investigating the Effect of Sloshing on the Energy Absorption of Tank Wagons Crash

“…Surveying the literature represents a remarkable number of research articles have been dedicated to predict the dynamic behavior of tank wagons especially in the tank collision of railway accidents [1,2]. For instance, Wasfy et al employed an experimental method to validate a coupled fluid multi-body dynamics model for tanker trucks [3]. Teirnan and Fahy studied the crash test on a special type of fuel transportation tank and investigated a method for reducing the thickness of the tank [4].…”

Analytical Solutions for Nonlinear Lateral Sloshing in Partially-Filled Elliptical Tankers

“…Aliabadi et al employed theory of the finite element method in order to validate an equivalent circular pendulum model applicable to simulate sloshing [12]. Wasfy et al [13][14] experimentally validated a equivalent multi-body system which can be employed in sloshing simulation. Salem et al proposed a new concept of the equivalent trammel pendulum to simulate the fluid sloshing in partially filled elliptic containers [15].…”