Design optimization of containers for sloshing and impact

A multidisciplinary design and optimization method is presented to support the design process of partially filled liquid containers subject to the disciplines of sloshing and impact analyses. Experimental techniques are used to understand sloshing as a phenomenon and to evaluate the computational fluid dynamics code. Validation includes qualitative comparison of visual free-surface behavior and quantitative comparisons of pressure measurements in the time and frequency domain. The liquid motion exhibits good comparisons in time. Deviations are caused by both the experimental signal filtration process and deficiencies in the low-frequency measurement capability of the accelerometer. The first two odd oscillatory modes are accurately captured. An objective function for the quantitative evaluation of the sloshing phenomenon is proposed. For impact, the von Mises baffle stress is used. Single and multidisciplinary optimization formulations using LS-OPT are presented and examined. The multidisciplinary optimum proved to be a compromise between the optima obtained when considering the two single disciplines independently.