Initial flow of liquid in accelerating tank

Abstract

The initial stage of liquid flow generated in a partly filled rectangular tank by suddenly accelerating the tank is investigated. It is found that the liquid, as a whole, is not accelerated at the same rate as the tank (this effect is especially marked for long shallow tanks). Thus, at later times a considerable excess force must be applied to the liquid in order for it to ``catch-up'' on this acceleration. These results are applicable to the behavior of liquid being carried in a road tanker when the tanker brakes or accelerates. It describes the initial stage of the sloshing motion of the liquid which may lead to handling difficulties or structural failure.