Influence of Tank Slenderness Ratio (H/D) on Hydrodynamic Pressures in Liquid Containment Tanks During Earthquakes

Abstract

Ground-supported cylindrical tanks are widely used for liquid containment in industrial applications, and their seismic response is of critical importance due to the risks associated with structural failure. This study investigates the dynamic behavior of a liquid-filled cylindrical tank subjected to seismic loading. The analysis is performed using the finite element method with an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian formulation and a fluid-structure interaction approach, enabling realistic coupling between the liquid and the tank structure. The results compare hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressure distributions at the same filling level and examine the influence of the sloshing parameter on the magnitude of hydrodynamic pressures generated during seismic excitation, which contribute to increased comprehensive pressures acting on the tank walls. The findings provide improved insight into the dynamic behavior of liquid containment tanks during earthquakes and support their safer and more efficient design.