Studies by applied mathematicians at the University of Surrey are helping to identify ways of reducing how much liquids slosh around inside tanks.
Baffles slow down the movement of fluid by diverting its flow. Research found that two or three porous baffles dividing a tank calms sloshing better than a single separator, but the returns diminish as more baffles are added.
The findings and improved understanding into how external movement impacts the way liquids slosh could help mathematicians and engineers design better tankers to transport liquids on land or at sea.
The findings could also be used in tuned liquid dampers, which reduce the sway of skyscrapers in earthquakes and high winds.
