Numerical Sensitivity Study of Ocean Cable Systems

Sensitivity of ocean cable structure behavior to variation in physical parameters of the system was investigated using the finite element method. Two configurations were analyzed, a single point moor relaxation and an anchor deployment simulation. Relaxation behavior for shorter systems is sensitive to changes in buoy coefficient of drag; cable coefficient of drag is significant in longer systems. Changes in cable modulus of elasticity affected travel time by 5% of less for any of the 6-ft, 30-ft, or 60-ft (1.8-m, 9.2-m, or 18.3-m) systems that were analyzed. The dynamic tension magnitude in the deployment of cable structures is in part determined by weight of the system and the initial surface position of the anchor before release. Changes in dynamic tension response were substantially affected by variation of initial surface position. This anchor deployment simulation involved a 6-ft (1.8-m) cable with one end of the cable fixed.