Fluid Modeling and Analysis of a MASH TL-6 Vehicle Model

Authors

Elisa Vasquez, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Cody Stolle

Second Advisor

Jennifer Rasmussen (Schmidt)

Third Advisor

John Reid

Date of this Version

Fall 12-2020

Document Type

Article

Citation

Vasquez, E., Fluid Modeling and Analysis of a MASH TL-6 Vehicle, M.S. thesis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2020.

Comments

A THESIS Presented to the Faculty of The Graduate College at the University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment of Requirements For the Degree of Master of Science, Major: Mechanical Engineering, Under the Supervision of Professor Cody. S. Stolle. Lincoln, Nebraska: December 2020

Copyright 2020 Elisa Vasquez

Abstract

The objective of this research project was to replicate the dynamic behavior of a truck-tank trailer combination vehicle using representative dimensions, properties, and inertias of the trailer/fluid ballast combination. A literature review was completed describing techniques for modeling fluids and fluid-container interactions using finite element analysis. Various fluid modeling techniques were identified, and parameters associated with those models were archived. Next, researchers utilized the tank geometry of the elliptical straight-frame 5949 trailer produced by LBT Inc. to generate a finite element mesh using finite element analysis preprocessors HyperMesh and LS PrePost. Material properties were taken from reference guides, research papers, and specifications from LBT, a tank trailer manufacturer. Component constraints were added to the model to mimic fasteners such as bolts and nuts. Contacts were also added to allow the tank to impact external features, as well as to allow tank components to interact with each other during dynamic events. Different techniques were employed to generate fluid meshes to reside within the interior tank structure. Next, preliminary properties for the fluids were generated using reference materials from published papers. Finally, fluid components were implemented into tank-trailer model. The minimum barrier height to contain a tractor-tank vehicle was determined to be 62 in. for a rigid, vertical-faced barrier by a barrier height analysis done through LS-DYNA computer simulation. Recommendations for how to improve the tank-trailer model were presented.

Advisor: Cody S. Stolle