For a project I am working on, it would be helpful to simulate weighing a tank of liquid on a scale. In particular, I am interested in what happens to the 'readings' of the scale when the tank of water is bumped. By 'bumped' I mean some relatively small force acts on the tank, perhaps causing the liquid to slosh a bit, etc.

I realize that this probably underdetermines the problem, but could anyone point me in the right direction(s)?

The problem you describe is relatively easy to do with the right tools. It's a fluid-structure interaction problem with a free surface. The initial condition is a tank, partially filled with water. A small force is applied to the side of the tank. The force is transmitted through the soild walls of the tank to the fluid. The fluid sloshes, and the force on the bottom of the tank is tracked.

Depending on the geometry of the tank, this is an easy problem to set up and run. Send me an e-mail if you have additional questions, or want more specifics.