Real-time identification of parametric sloshing-induced heat and mass transfer in a horizontally oriented cylindrical tank

TL;DR

This study experimentally investigates how parametric sloshing in a horizontally oriented cylindrical tank affects heat and mass transfer, revealing a critical forcing threshold that causes thermal destratification and pressure drops, with real-time inference of Nusselt numbers.

Contribution

First experimental characterization of sloshing-induced heat and mass transfer in a horizontally oriented cylindrical tank under parametric excitation, using a combined thermodynamic model and Kalman filtering.

Findings

Identified a critical forcing threshold for sloshing onset.

Observed large increases in Nusselt numbers after destratification.

Confirmed condensation as the main factor in pressure evolution.

Abstract

Vertical forcing of partially filled tanks can induce parametric sloshing. Under non-isothermal conditions, the resulting mixing can disrupt the thermal stratification between liquid and vapor, leading to enhanced heat and mass transfer and large pressure fluctuations. This work presents an experimental investigation of sloshing-induced heat and mass transfer in a horizontally oriented cylindrical tank under vertical harmonic excitation. This configuration is particularly relevant for cryogenic fuel storage in aircraft and ground transportation, yet its thermodynamic response under parametric sloshing remains largely uncharacterized. The present study provides the first experimental characterization of the sloshing-induced pressure drop and associated heat and mass transfer in this geometry. Decoupled isothermal and non-isothermal experimental campaigns are carried out across multiple fill levels and forcing amplitudes, near resonance of the first longitudinal symmetric mode $(2,0)$, using a hydrofluoroether fluid (3M Novec HFE-7000). To quantify heat and mass transfer, a lumped thermodynamic model is combined with an Augmented-state Extended Kalman Filter (AEKF), enabling real-time, time-resolved inference of Nusselt numbers. A critical forcing threshold is identified: below it, the fluid remains quiescent and thermally stratified; above it, parametric resonance drives strong sloshing, complete thermal destratification, and a rapid pressure drop. At 50% fill, the dominant (2,0) response intermittently alternates with a planar $(1,0)$ mode, indicating subharmonic mode interaction. The inferred Nusselt numbers increase by several orders of magnitude after destratification, and pressure-rate analysis confirms that condensation governs the pressure evolution.