Three-dimensional sloshing analysis of LNG carriers in irregular waves

The present study is concerned with the numerical analysis of the sloshing impact pressure of the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carriers in rough sea. The reliable predictions of the both random tank motions in irregular waves and violent fluid flow in the LNG tanks are required for practical sloshing analysis procedure for LNG carriers. The three-dimensional numerical model adopting SOLA-VOF scheme is used to predict violent free surface movements in the LNG tank. For the accurate input data for irregular tank motions, a three-dimensional panel method program called SSMP (Samsung Ship Motion Program, Kim et al., 1997, 2003; Ha et al., 2004) is applied for seakeeping analysis. Three-dimensional short-term sloshing analysis for quartering sea and head sea conditions has been carried out for No.2 tank of 138K and 205K LNG carriers. Comparative studies of impact pressures inside of LNG tanks are carried out to verify the safety of LNG containment systems of 205K large LNG carrier.