An experimental study of slamming impact load on two platforms

Impact loads caused by liquid sloshing are related to the filling level and excitation parameters(such as excitation amplitude and period) of the tank. The large-scale sloshing model experimental method is the most reliable approach to study impact loads, which can realize tank motion in the laboratory by the test rig. Hence, the performance and accuracy of the employed test platform is very important. In order to investigate the performance and the effect of single degree-of-freedom(1 dof) platform and hexapod test rig on slamming impact pressure, this paper focuses on a comparatively experimental study in a large-scaled two-dimensional rectangular tank. A series of sloshing tests was designed and conducted with the same regular sway excitation, measurement set-up and filling level. The results show that the 1dof platform has higher accuracy for lateral motion. Furthermore, there exist significant discrepancies on pressure time history and pressure characteristic values under some conditions. Even though, the general trend of impact pressure is the same. These experimental results can give an indicator for choosing test rig for large-scaled sloshing model experiments.