A novel semi-analytical approach based on scaled boundary finite element method for fluid-structure coupling analysis of liquid sloshing in 3D containers

In this paper, a novel semi-analytical approach is proposed for the three-dimensional fluid-structure coupling analysis of liquid sloshing in elastic containers subjected to harmonic and seismic loading in the horizontal direction, based on the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM). A modified SBFEM model, referred to as the scaling surface-based SBFEM, is developed to simulate the container wall, which is treated as a thin shell structure. Within the framework of the scaling surface-based SBFEM, the geometry of the shell structure is entirely determined by scaling one surface of the structure. This approach differs significantly from the standard SBFEM, where approximation is achieved through coordinate mapping based on a scaling center, thereby enhancing the modeling accuracy and efficiency. Hydrodynamic pressure is treated as an independent nodal variables in the governing equations of the fluid domain, which is modeled using the standard scaling centre-based SBFEM. The coupled fluid-structure system is assembled by applying equilibrium and compatibility boundary conditions to ensure the balance of interaction forces. A synchronous solution algorithm, combined with the implicit-implicit scheme of the Newmark method, is used to determine the dynamic responses of the coupled system. The main advantage of this novel approach is that it meshes and discretizes the boundaries instead of the entire structural and fluid domains, thereby reducing computational costs. Additionally, analytical solutions can be obtained along the radial direction of the interior domain, enhancing the accuracy and convergence of the results. Another advantage is the approach's ability to provide a unified modeling framework for structures of any shape. Furthermore, the asymmetry issue of the coefficient matrix can be effectively avoided by using a synchronous solution algorithm. Benchmark examinations confirm the superior computational accuracy and robustness of the proposed approach. A comprehensive parametric study is conducted, focusing on the effects of liquid filling levels, as well as geometric and material parameters, on the transient vibration and distribution behaviors of the fluid-structure coupling system.