Numerical study of liquid sloshing on anti-sloshing device using open cell metal foams in oil tank

A new baffle structure design named open-cell metal foams baffle for anti-sloshing device in oil tank is presented in this study. Numerical simulation study on the liquid sloshing with various baffles is carried out using FLUENT with the volume-of-fluid (VOF) model. Four types of baffles were studied, namely non-baffle (type A), conventional parallel-baffle (type B), cross-baffle (type C) and open- cell metal foams baffles (type D). The oil velocity distribution, centroid and oil occupancy in the sloshing process is revealed in the case of vehicle speeding up and turning respectively. It is found that type D reduce velocity of oil, increase the value of oil occupancy in the suction pipe entrance of the oil tank and lower the centroid of oil obviously comparing with the other types. As for the same open-cell metal foam pore density, lower open-cell metal foam porosity has much better effect of inhibition of liquid sloshing, but there is little deviation among different porosity for the absolute value. Moreover, according to the same porosity, the oil centroid can be lowered obviously with the increase of pore density. The results of type D show practical significance and referable guideline for baffles design to improve the safety and stability of vehicle.