Int. J. Heavy Vehicle Systems, Vol. 17, Nos. 3/4, 2010 237 Copyright © 2010 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. Response analyses of a two-phase cryogenic tank to longitudinal and lateral accelerations R. Miralbes*, L. Castejon, M. Carrera and D. Valladares VEHIVIAL (New Vehicle Technologies and Road Safety), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, C.P.S. C/ Maria de Luna s/n 50018, Zaragoza, Spain E-mail: miralbes@unizar.es E-mail: luiscast@unizar.es E-mail: marcocar@unizar.es E-mail: davval@unizar.es *Corresponding author Abstract: The aim of this article is to present a methodology for calculating vehicle tankers by analysing the way baffle shape contributes to the movement of the fluid. This methodology could be used to optimise the geometry of these parts analysing different geometries. Four different lateral types of baffles used by different cryogenic tank manufacturers have been examined. Both the movement of the fluid and the forces transmitted by the latter to the tank during emergency braking manoeuvres are analysed and the principal conclusion is that the contribution of the geometry is very important. Besides, a longitudinal baffle meant to reduce the tendency of the tank to overturn while diminishing the moment generated by the load has been designed. The longitudinal baffle has been optimised, modifying the height and depending on the level of filling of the tanker the rollover moment can be reduced. Keywords: phase; braking; emergency; tank; cryogenic; gas; dangerous; finite element method; fluid; baffle; semi-trailer; transport; overturn; moment; lateral; curve. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Miralbes, R., Castejon, L., Carrera, M. and Valladares, D. (2010) ‘Response analyses of a two-phase cryogenic tank to longitudinal and lateral accelerations’, Int. J. Heavy Vehicle Systems, Vol. 17, Nos. 3/4, pp.237–255. Biographical notes: Ramón Miralbés obtained his degree in Industrial Engineering from Zaragoza University in 2005 (Spain), with specialisation in Vehicle and Machinery Design. From this time on, he continued his PhD studies in the area of New Materials for Road Transport in this University. In February 2008, he finished his PhD studies with the thesis: ‘Flow-termo-mechanical analysis of cryogenic tanker vehicles’ and works in several research projects involving vehicle strength and rigidity performance simulation by the finite element method. Luis Castejon graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering (University of Zaragoza, Spain, 1992) and PhD on Mechanical Engineering (University of Zaragoza, Spain, 1998). He is a Full Professor in Transportation Engineering at the University of Zaragoza. Since 1991, he has been involved in several projects in the areas of vehicle dynamics and new materials for vehicles, buses, railways and ground transportation. He has written over 120 papers in technical journals and international congresses and nine books, published in Europe. He