Dynamic behaviour of cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage tanks
Murphy M. Peksen, Dongsheng Wen
Abstract
Heat loss and structural integrity issues in cryogenic liquid hydrogen (LH 2 ) storage tanks are influenced by the dynamic behaviour under transport conditions. The accurate natural frequency characteristics and dynamic behaviour of liquid hydrogen storage tanks subjected to real-world excitation conditions have been a research gap so far. This study employs a 3D Finite Element Method (FEM)-based modal and harmonic response analyses to investigate the natural frequencies, mode shapes, stress, and deformation distributions of a torispherical-headed small-scale LH 2 tank at 10 %–90 % volume fillings. Realistic thermal state and mechanical boundary conditions representative of vehicle transport scenarios are implemented through temperature-dependent material properties and pre-stress effects. Results indicate that Mode 3 and Mode 4 are dominant at 50 % volume filling, with a critical resonance frequency at 300 Hz. Lower filling levels exhibit higher damping, reducing vibrational amplification, while higher filling levels shift stress responses to higher frequencies due to increased mass coupling. Harmonic analysis confirms that 300 Hz excitation amplifies stress, especially in lateral (Y) and vertical (Z) directions, increasing fatigue risks. Comparative analysis with empirical models highlights discrepancies in sloshing mass contributions, emphasizing the importance of advanced numerical approaches. These findings support optimized hydrogen tank design and future experimental validation.