Linear Analysis of the Static and Dynamic Responses of the Underwater Axially Moving Cables to Bucket Loads

Abstract

In this study, the mechanics of an axially moving cable that is used to acquire mineralresources from the seafloor are theoretically and numerically investigated by focusing on the extentto which a load of buckets affects the cable deflection. In particular, we construct the theoreticalmodel of a cable, and its solutions are numerically determined using the mode expansion method.The results of the simulations performed using a varying number of buckets show that the cabledeflects in response to the passage of each bucket. As the total number of buckets increases, the loadof buckets acts as a continuous load. An increase in the total number of buckets naturally leads toan increase in the total load on the cable, resulting in the deviation of the paths of the buckets froma path under the zero-load state. These properties should be considered while designing cables.