Computational homogenization method for the bending analysis of submarine power cables

Abstract

Abstract The complex structure and material property of a cable, particularly the stick-slip issue among its components pose the challenge for the bending analysis of submarine power cables. The calculation time and convergence problem of a full model makes the simulation unpractical during the design phase. This paper takes advantage of the peculiar structural property of helical components inside a cable, proposing a computational homogenization approach for analyzing the cable behavior under bending from global and local perspectives. This method assumes a macro model that is based on the theory of periodic beamlike structure, and a short-size micro model that is solved through a detailed finite element study. Results demonstrate the efficiency and capability of the proposed model that considers the structure nonlinearity and contact condition of a multi-layer cable with helical wires.