An analysis on dynamic behaviour of a towing cable for maneuver of marine survey instruments

해양탐사장비 운용을 위한 예인케이블의 거동해석

In this study, the configuration and tension of a towing cable for side-scan sonar are predicted in an ambient flow and at an unsteady towing condition. The governing equation of three-dimensional dynamic analysis for a flexible cable is solved using a finite difference method. We successfully predict the configuration and tension of a side-scan sonar and designed the towing system. It is found in static analyses that the side-scan sonar must be towed to keep a its stable depth at a reasonable speed. The study also reveals in the transient analyses that the dominant component affecting the top tension is the tangential drag force for the larger towing speed than the critical speed, and the self weight of a towed instrument for the smaller towing speed than. It should be maneuvered for a towing vessel with good consideration for the impact effect in a cable due to tension peak when a towing speed is suddenly increase. The developed program can be applicable for three-dimensional dynamic analysis of a towing system for various marine survey instruments.