Abstract
The safe and efficient transport of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is critically dependent on understanding fluid dynamics within cargo tanks, which directly influence structural integrity and operational safety. Study employs the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method to simulate fluid sloshing and phase change dynamics in Type B LNG cargo tanks during emergency stop conditions. The transient simulations employ a time step of 5 × 10−3 s, a model with 46,840 grids, and the analysis focuses on impact forces on tank walls, their dependence on filling levels. Results show that the flow disturbance caused by vessel rolling increases BOG generation fluctuations by approximately 35%. Sloshing significantly increases BOG generation, particularly after a 10 s relaxation period, as the initial shock enhances heat transfer and mixing, accelerating vapor production. Original components of LNG are sensitive to BOG generation and impact forces on the front bulkhead are significantly higher than on the rear, with peak impacts occurring. The filling rate is a critical parameter influencing fluid dynamics and safety in LNG transportation. Impact magnitude increases with fill level up while at about 80% it declines; impact timing shortens at higher fill ratios. A BOG generation mechanism in which microscale turbulence and ongoing thermal imbalance govern the kinetics of evaporation phase transitions was proposed. It was discovered that the impact forces and BOG production exhibit rise–fall–rise patterns driven by impact dynamics, condensation, and evaporation processes. The findings highlight the critical role of fluid sloshing in affecting tank safety and operational efficiency, offering insights into designing more resilient LNG cargo tanks and optimizing transportation safety and economy.