Abstract
The dynamic characteristics of fuel tank are influenced by the mass of fuel and Fluid - Structure Interaction (FSI). Knowledge on the effects of different parameters on modal characteristics are very important to design the fuel tank. In this work, modal characteristics of fuel tank are estimated using FSI approach where finite element structural dynamics equation is considered along with Navier-Stokes and flow continuity equations. Numerical challenges in differentiating local fluid modes of fuel-free surface are addressed and methods to overcome this issue are discussed. The results of FSI approach is compared with experimental results and a procedure is established for vibration analysis of fuel tank using the FSI approach.