Computer Design of a Tower and Cable System

Three computer programs were developed and used in the design of a large very-low-frequency (VLF) antenna system consisting of a network of cables supported on the tops of an array of thirteen tall guyed towers ranging in height from 996 ft to 1271 ft. One program provided guy data in support of a second program used for analysis of the towers. The third program determined tensions and displacements in the cables of the supported network and the reactions at each tower. All three were programmed in FORTRAN language. The first two were programmed for the IBM-7074 computer. The third, because of greater need for operator participation, was programmed for the IBM-1620. A physical description of the vacility is given, special features of each program are described and the technical basis is presented and illustrated with conceptual flow charts. Information is given relative to estimated running times and the scope of the applications of each program.