Simulation of baffle effects on sloshing in model aircraft fuel tank

While aircraft fuel systems are not generally regarded as the most glamorous feature of aircraft functionality, they are an essential feature of all aircraft. Their implementation and functional characteristics play a "critical role" in the design, certification and operational aspects of both military and civil aircraft. In this article, our concentration is to numerical analysis of baffle shape effects in aircraft fuel tank sloshing. Sloshing is meant the standing wave formed on the surface of a liquid when a tank partially filled with liquid is oscillated. In this study, sloshing analysis with VOF method in ANSYS FLUENT software. One fuel tank without baffle & four fuel tank with different baffle shapes analysed. Results with regard to tank filling, gravity acceration & tank geometry in tank 1 indicate baffle is necessary equipment for safe engine operation. In addition, results in the other tanks indicate position of baffle’s holes is important and affect in velocity of fluid in tanks. Finally, after analysis some recommandations suggested for future works.