Liquid sloshing control device and method for a flexible variable-density float

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of fluid vibration control, and specifically relates to a liquid sloshing regulation device and method of a flexible variable-density floating ball. The device comprises a container containing liquid and a flexible floating ball freely floating on the surface of the liquid. The flexible floating ball is displaced and deformed during liquid vibration and interacts with each other to achieve the inhibition or regulation of liquid sloshing. A medium cavity is arranged in the flexible floating ball. The overall density of the floating ball is changed by adjusting the medium in the cavity, so as to change the immersion depth and distribution state of the floating ball in the liquid. During liquid vibration, the floating ball is displaced and deformed along with the movement of the liquid surface, and the liquid flow state is adjusted through the distribution change and gap structure, so as to realize the regulation of liquid sloshing. The present application does not require mechanical connection structure, and has the advantages of simple structure, strong adaptability and easy engineering application.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of fluid vibration control technology, specifically relating to a liquid sloshing control device and method for a flexible variable density float. Background Technology

[0002] In liquid storage tanks, ship liquid tanks, aerospace propellant tanks, and liquid transportation systems, liquids are prone to sloshing under external excitation (such as acceleration, periodic vibration, or impact), resulting in large fluctuations in the liquid surface, generating impact loads, and affecting safety and stability.

[0003] In existing technologies, common suppression methods include: placing rigid baffle structures in the container to divide the flow field and reduce ripples, but these methods are complex and add weight; setting additional damping devices to dissipate energy through additional mechanisms, but these are costly and complex to maintain; and placing connected floats or covering structures on the liquid surface to constrain surface movement and achieve vibration reduction, but these methods are complex to install and have limited adaptability. Furthermore, some technologies using floats rely heavily on mechanical connections to the container wall or other components, or on additional structures to dissipate energy, lacking simplified control schemes based on fluid-structure coupling mechanisms. In addition, traditional rigid floats are prone to strong impacts with the container wall during violent shaking, leading to localized stress concentration in the container. Moreover, the fixed shape of the float makes it difficult to dissipate fluid kinetic energy through its own deformation, resulting in poor suppression of high-frequency, low-amplitude vibrations.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a liquid sloshing control device and method that is simple in structure, requires no complex connections, is adjustable, and highly adaptable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a liquid sloshing control device and method for a flexible variable density float, so as to solve the problems of complex structure, poor adaptability and difficulty in effectively controlling liquid vibration response in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a liquid sloshing control device, comprising: a container containing liquid and a flexible float that floats freely on the surface of the liquid, wherein the flexible float undergoes displacement, deformation and interaction during liquid vibration, so as to suppress or control liquid sloshing.

[0007] Furthermore, the liquid surface is covered with the flexible float.

[0008] Furthermore, below the flexible floats covering the liquid surface, there is another layer of flexible floats, which are completely submerged in the liquid under the pressure of the upper layer of flexible floats.

[0009] Furthermore, the flexible float has a hollow structure and is equipped with a valve; the internal cavity of the flexible float is filled with gas and / or liquid medium.

[0010] Furthermore, the ratio of the height of the flexible float above the liquid surface to the height below the liquid surface is 1:(1-3).

[0011] Furthermore, the diameter of the flexible float is 5mm to 100mm, and the thickness of the outer shell is 0.5mm to 5mm.

[0012] Furthermore, the ratio of the diameter to the thickness of the flexible float is (10-100):1. By adjusting the thickness of the outer shell of the flexible float, the flexibility and structural stiffness of the float can be controlled, thereby changing the dynamic response characteristics of the float in the liquid.

[0013] Furthermore, the flexible float is made of rubber or polyurethane elastomer, and its elastic modulus is preferably 0.1MPa-50MPa.

[0014] The present invention also provides a method for controlling liquid sloshing, comprising: selecting a flexible float with target structural parameters according to the liquid density and container size, allowing the flexible float to float freely on the liquid surface, and utilizing the displacement, deformation and interaction of the flexible float during liquid vibration to suppress or control liquid sloshing.

[0015] Furthermore, the diameter, thickness, type of injection medium, and injection volume of the flexible floats are adjusted to regulate the immersion depth of the flexible floats in the liquid; and / or, the amount of flexible floats laid is adjusted to regulate the gaps between the flexible floats. Preferably, the flexible floats are laid all over the liquid surface, and an additional layer of flexible floats is placed below the surface-covered flexible floats, so that the lower layer is completely submerged in the liquid under the pressure of the upper layer of flexible floats.

[0016] In summary, compared with the prior art, the above-described technical solutions conceived by this invention mainly possess the following technical advantages: 1) The liquid sloshing control device provided by the present invention adopts a free-floating flexible float. During the liquid vibration process, the flexible float can change its contact state and force distribution with the liquid through deformation, thereby realizing the regulation of liquid flow behavior. The present invention can realize liquid sloshing control without mechanical connection structure, and the structure is simpler.

[0017] 2) By adjusting the density of the float, the present invention enables the float to simultaneously possess deformation adjustment capability and immersion adjustment capability under different vibration conditions, thereby improving the adaptability and control effect of the device to liquid sloshing.

[0018] 3) By adjusting the size and arrangement of the floats, the coverage and gap structure of the float layer can be changed, thereby affecting the liquid flow characteristics and vibration response. Uneven float size settings create irregular arrangements and non-uniform gap structures, which helps enhance the ability to control local fluid flow and improve the system's response regulation effect.

[0019] 4) The present invention has a simple structure, is easy to install and maintain, and is applicable to liquid storage containers, transportation systems, and engineering scenarios involving vibration of the free surface of liquid. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the float layer in the liquid sloshing control device of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a top view of the float layer in the liquid sloshing control device of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the flexible variable density float of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the adjustment of float density and immersion depth according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the duckbill valve structure used for float density adjustment in this invention.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the deformation of the flexible float under stress in this invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the motion state of the float during liquid vibration according to the present invention.

[0027] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements or structures, wherein: 1-Container; 2-Float layer; 3-Float internal medium; 4-Float duckbill valve; 5-Float outer shell. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of this invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, this embodiment provides a liquid sloshing control device, including a container 1 and a float layer 2 disposed on the free surface region of the liquid. The container 1 is used to contain the liquid, and the float layer 2 is composed of multiple flexible floats. These flexible floats float freely in the liquid, are not mechanically connected to the container or other structures, and are mainly distributed in the vicinity of the free surface of the liquid. Figure 2 As shown, viewed from above, multiple floats form a distribution structure covering the free surface of the liquid within the container. This invention achieves control over the vibrational behavior of the liquid by altering the structural characteristics and spatial distribution of the floats.

[0030] like Figure 3 As shown, the float is a flexible variable density structure, including a float shell 5 and a cavity disposed therein. The float is spherical, and its characteristic dimension is its diameter. d The diameter of the float can be selected according to the container size and liquid characteristics. In some embodiments, the diameter of the float is 5mm to 100mm, preferably 10mm to 50mm. The size of the gap between adjacent floats is related to the float diameter. By adjusting the size and distribution of the floats, the gap structure can be controlled, thereby affecting the fluid flow path.

[0031] The outer shell of the float 5 is made of an elastic material, including rubber, silicone, polyurethane elastomers, etc., with an elastic modulus of 0.1 MPa-50 MPa. This material can deform under fluid conditions to enhance the coupling between the float and the liquid. Within this elastic modulus range, the shell undergoes elastic deformation under liquid sloshing pressure to absorb kinetic energy.

[0032] The outer shell of the float 5 has a thickness t The thickness is the distance between the inner and outer surfaces of the outer shell. In this embodiment, the outer shell thickness is 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1 mm to 3 mm. The outer shell thickness and the float diameter satisfy a certain proportional relationship; preferably, the thickness-to-diameter ratio is 0.01 to 0.1. Floats of different thicknesses exhibit different deformation modes during vibration. Thinner-shell floats mainly exhibit significant compression deformation and asymmetric deformation, while thicker-shell floats exhibit small-amplitude elastic deformation. By adjusting the outer shell thickness, the flexibility and structural stiffness of the float can be controlled, thereby changing the dynamic response characteristics of the float in the liquid.

[0033] The float contains a medium 3, which can be one or more of the following: a gaseous medium, such as air or an inert gas; a liquid medium, such as water, oil, or other fluids; or a gas-liquid mixture. During vibration, the medium within the cavity can undergo relative motion, thereby altering the mass distribution within the float and further affecting its dynamic response characteristics. Simultaneously, a regulating valve is installed on the float to control the inflow and outflow of the internal medium. The outer shell thickness and the internal medium together determine the overall mechanical properties of the float. By adjusting the outer shell thickness and the proportion of the internal medium, the float's density and flexible deformation capability can be synergistically adjusted. The overall density of the float is 0.3 to 0.9 times the density of the liquid.

[0034] The floats form a single-layer or multi-layer distribution structure, creating a regular or irregular arrangement. The ratio of the height of the outermost flexible float above the liquid surface to its height below the liquid surface is 1:(1-3), meaning the height of the float below the liquid surface must be greater than or equal to the height above the liquid surface, which helps to improve the effect of suppressing sloshing. By adjusting the float density, the lower floats can be completely submerged in the liquid, rather than the upper floats being pushed out.

[0035] like Figure 4 As shown, the overall density of the float can be changed by adjusting the volume or type of the internal medium 3. When the amount of liquid inside the float increases, the float density increases, and its immersion depth in the liquid increases; when the proportion of gas inside the float increases, the float density decreases, and its degree of floating above the liquid surface increases. Through this method, the immersion state of the float can be adjusted, thereby affecting the force state and distribution characteristics of the float in the liquid. When the medium 3 is a gas-liquid mixture, during the vibration of container 1, the liquid inside the float will generate a 'secondary sloshing' with a frequency close to but with a phase difference from the external sloshing, thus forming an effect similar to additional damping, thereby enhancing the ability to suppress specific vibrations.

[0036] Specifically, the medium injected into the flexible float is a gas-liquid mixture, that is, a portion of the liquid is injected and the remaining space is air. The volume of the injected liquid preferably accounts for 20%-80% of the total volume of the internal cavity, more preferably 30%-60%.

[0037] In the same container, flexible floats of different sizes can be set up to adjust the gap, and the amount of medium injected into each float can also be different.

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, the regulating valve can be a duckbill valve or other one-way valve structure. The valve structure is used to control the inflow and outflow of the medium inside the float and ensure the sealing of the cavity. Through this structure, the float density can be adjusted and maintained in a stable state; the valve is heat-fused to the outer shell 5 to prevent medium leakage.

[0039] like Figure 6As shown, the outer shell 5 can undergo elastic deformation under external force. The flexible structure allows the float to change its shape under stress, thus adapting to the complex flow environment during liquid vibration. During liquid vibration, the float undergoes periodic deformation due to the interaction between the fluid and the float. This deformation mainly manifests as horizontal compression and recovery, as well as asymmetric deformation along the liquid surface, utilizing the elastic hysteresis characteristics of the material to convert fluid mechanical energy into internal energy. When multiple floats are in contact, they form a coupling structure through contact. When some floats are compressed, their deformation can be transmitted to adjacent floats through contact, resulting in a collective coordinated deformation phenomenon. This deformation process creates a dynamically changing spatial structure within the float layer. During deformation, the flexible float changes its contact interface with the liquid and the fluid flow path, while simultaneously adjusting the local fluid velocity distribution through deformation, thereby influencing the fluid-structure interaction characteristics of the system and achieving control over the liquid vibration behavior.

[0040] like Figure 7 As shown, under external excitation, the free surface of the liquid vibrates, and the floats move with the liquid, causing displacement. During vibration: the floats move up and down with the undulations of the liquid surface; relative displacement occurs between the floats; the outer shell of the floats deforms to a certain extent; these processes create fluid-structure interaction between the floats and the liquid. This distribution alters the local flow path and equivalent mass distribution of the liquid, thus affecting the vibration response characteristics of the system. During liquid vibration, the flexible outer shell 5 undergoes periodic elastic deformation. Utilizing the elastic hysteresis effect of the material, some of the fluid mechanical energy is converted into heat energy for dissipation; simultaneously, due to the dynamic gaps between the floats, the liquid passing through the non-uniform gaps generates a viscous damping effect, further suppressing significant instability of the liquid surface.

[0041] The present invention also provides a method for controlling liquid sloshing, comprising: selecting a flexible float with target structural parameters according to the liquid density and container size, allowing the flexible float to float freely on the liquid surface, and utilizing the displacement, deformation and interaction of the flexible float during liquid vibration to suppress or control liquid sloshing.

[0042] Specifically, by adjusting the diameter, thickness, type and amount of the injection medium of the flexible float, the immersion depth of the flexible float in the liquid can be adjusted, thereby achieving the control of the liquid vibration modes and response characteristics.

[0043] The spacing between the flexible floats can also be adjusted by adjusting the amount of flexible floats laid. Preferably, the flexible floats are laid all over the liquid surface, and another layer of flexible floats is placed below the surface covered with flexible floats. Under the pressure of the upper layer of flexible floats, the lower layer is completely submerged in the liquid.

[0044] During liquid vibration, the floats migrate and rearrange with the movement of the liquid surface, forming a dynamically changing gap structure between the floats. By adjusting the liquid flow state and system response through the above changes, the liquid sloshing can be suppressed or controlled based on the fluid-structure interaction dynamics of the system.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid sloshing control device, characterized in that, include: A container containing liquid and a flexible float that floats freely on the surface of the liquid. The flexible float moves, deforms, and interacts with each other during liquid vibration to suppress or regulate liquid sloshing.

2. The liquid sloshing control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid surface is covered with the flexible float.

3. The liquid sloshing control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Below the flexible floats that cover the liquid surface, there is another layer of flexible floats that are completely submerged in the liquid under the pressure of the upper layer of flexible floats.

4. The liquid sloshing control device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The flexible float has a hollow structure and is equipped with a valve; the internal cavity of the flexible float is filled with gas and / or liquid medium.

5. The liquid sloshing control device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The ratio of the height of the flexible float above the liquid surface to the height below the liquid surface is 1:(1-3).

6. The liquid sloshing control device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The flexible float has a diameter of 5mm to 100mm and an outer shell thickness of 0.5mm to 5mm.

7. The liquid sloshing control device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ratio of the diameter to the thickness of the flexible float is (10-100):

1. By adjusting the outer shell thickness of the flexible float, the flexibility and structural stiffness of the float can be controlled, thereby changing the dynamic response characteristics of the float in the liquid.

8. The liquid sloshing control device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The flexible float is made of rubber or polyurethane elastomer, and its elastic modulus is preferably 0.1MPa-50MPa.

9. A method for controlling liquid sloshing, characterized in that, include: Based on the liquid density and container size, a flexible float with the target structural parameters is selected. The flexible float is then allowed to float freely on the liquid surface. By utilizing the displacement, deformation, and interaction of the flexible float during liquid vibration, liquid sloshing can be suppressed or controlled.

10. The liquid sloshing control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The immersion depth of the flexible float in the liquid is adjusted by adjusting the diameter, thickness, type and amount of the injection medium. And / or, adjust the amount of flexible floats to adjust the gaps between the flexible floats. Preferably, the flexible floats cover the liquid surface, and an additional layer of flexible floats is placed below the surface-covered flexible floats. Under the pressure of the upper layer of flexible floats, the lower layer is completely submerged in the liquid.

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