CFD modeling of sloshing-induced pressure drop inside LH2 storage tanks used in maritime applications
Noor F, Habla F, Hofmeister T, Münsch M, Schlatter P (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2026
Journal
Book Volume: 222
Article Number: 154278
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.154278
Abstract
As emission regulations tighten, liquid hydrogen is gaining traction as a maritime fuel. Reliable vessel operation depends on stable tank pressure, which can be disrupted by sloshing from ship motion. This study presents a CFD model using the Volume of Fluid method and the Homogeneous Relaxation Model to analyze thermal effects and pressure drops caused by sloshing in liquid hydrogen tanks. Thermophysical properties are modeled within the working cryogenic temperature and pressure range. Different aspects of modeling are separately validated. Dynamic mesh motion is then applied to simulate sloshing in a practical application case. Results show that sloshing induces vapor–liquid mixing and interfacial phase change, disrupting temperature stratification and causing pressure drops. The pressure reduction correlates with gas-phase temperature decline, which approaches the liquid phase temperature at high filling ratios.
Authors with CRIS profile
Manuel Münsch
Lehrstuhl für Strömungsmechanik (LSTM)
Philipp Schlatter
Lehrstuhl für Strömungsmechanik (LSTM)
Involved external institutions
Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Noor, F., Habla, F., Hofmeister, T., Münsch, M., & Schlatter, P. (2026). CFD modeling of sloshing-induced pressure drop inside LH2 storage tanks used in maritime applications. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.154278
MLA:
Noor, Faria, et al. "CFD modeling of sloshing-induced pressure drop inside LH2 storage tanks used in maritime applications." International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 222 (2026).
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