Incompressible hydroelastic vibrations: finite element modelling of the elastogravity operator

This paper deals with the low frequency vibratory analysis of fluid–structure interactions in an elastic tank partially filled with an incompressible inviscid liquid. The originality of this work is to give an exact expression of the gravity interface operator whereas other standard hydroelastic formulations treat this effect through approximations. The properties of this so-called elastogravity operator will be studied here from theoretical and numerical point of view. Experimental measurements will validate the computational model and allow to quantify the effect of coupling between the liquid sloshing and the hydroelastic deformations of the structure.