Hydrodynamic damping due to baffles in a rectangular tank

The present paper describes the prediction of hydrodynamic damping due to b affles in a fluid-filled rectangular tank or reservoir undergoing horizonta l oscillations. The estimation of hydrodynamic damping involves an assessme nt of the total energy in the fluid associated with sloshing motions and th e average rate of energy dissipation due to flow separation around the baff les. Experimental measurements of hydrodynamic damping have been carried ou t to validate the theoretical model and to investigate the effectiveness of various baffle configurations. Recommendations are made regarding the asse ssment of hydrodynamic damping in earthquake engineering applications.