Affiliation:
1. Department of Ocean Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, U.S.A
Abstract
The problems of stability and control are surveyed for the system comprising towing body, connecting cable and towed body. Factors influencing the equilibrium configuration are first outlined, followed by a discussion of methods of stability analysis based on the assumption of a taut cable. Limitations of the assumption are indicated, leading to an appreciation of cable dynamics, and a summary of mathematical models of cables under hydrodynamic loads. The problems involved and directions for future research are suggested. Appendices 4.1 and 4.2 give extensive bibliographies on towed systems.