Dynamic Identification of Milk Storage Tanks Under Different Filling Conditions

The work focuses on the identification of dynamic properties of a storage tank, both in empty conditions and when it is filled with a fluid (that is milk), under external excitations (induced by a hammer) using a limited number of accelerometer sensors in strategic locations. The main objective is to assess the impact of fluid-structure interaction on the milk storage tank's dynamic behavior, which is critical for structural health monitoring (SHM) and damage detection. The measured acceleration data are processed using frequency domain analysis techniques to extract modal parameters such as natural frequencies and mode shapes. The results obtained from this experimental approach provide valuable insights into how the presence of fluid alters the dynamic properties of the tank. Moreover, experimental data can be effectively used for calibration of numerical models of the storage tank. The proposed methodology provides a robust framework for early damage detection and the ongoing monitoring of critical infrastructure where fluid-tank interaction plays a significant role. Future work will extend the application of this accelerometric technique to tanks of varying geometries and fluid types, broadening its applicability in industrial settings.