An Experimental Study of Sloshing Noise in a Partially Filled Rectangular Tank

Liquid sloshing noise from an automotive fuel tank is becoming increasingly important during frequent accelerating/decelerating driving conditions. It is becoming more apparent due to significant decrease in other noise sources in a vehicle, particularly in hybrid vehicles. As a step toward understanding the dynamics of liquid sloshing and noise generation mechanism, an experimental study was performed in a partially filled rectangular tank. A systematic study was performed to understand the effects of critical parameters like fill level and acceleration/deceleration magnitude. Response parameters like dynamic pressure, dynamic force, dynamic acceleration and sound pressure levels along with high speed video images were recorded. The proposed experimental setup was able to demonstrate major events leading to sloshing noise generation. These events in the sloshing mechanism have been analysed from the dynamic sensor data and correlated with high speed video images.