Modeling of Cables with High and Low Tension Zones using a Hybrid Rod-Catenary Formulation
Abstract
Description
Cables under very low tension may become highly contorted and form loops, tangles, knots and kinks. These nonlinear deformations, which are dominated by flexure and torsion, pose serious concerns for cable deployment. Simulation of the three-dimensional nonlinear dynamics of loop and tangle formation requires a 12th order rod model and the computational effort increases rapidly with increasing cable length and integration time. However, marine cable applications which result in local zones of low-tension very frequently involve large zones of high-tension where the effects of flexure and torsion are insignificant. Simulation of the three-dimensional dynamics of high-tension cables requires only a 6th order catenary model which significantly reduces computational effort relative to a rod model. We propose herein a hybrid computational cable model that employs computationally efficient catenary elements in high-tension zones and rod elements in localized low-tension zones to capture flexure and torsion precisely where needed.
8 pages, 4 figures, 1 table, Proceedings of Sixth International Symposium on Cable Dynamics, Charleston, SC, Sept 19-22, 2005
8 pages, 4 figures, 1 table, Proceedings of Sixth International Symposium on Cable Dynamics, Charleston, SC, Sept 19-22, 2005