Work

Modeling and Simulation of an Underwater Tether Cable Trajectory on Uniform Current and Constant Moving Vehicle

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This paper presents a computational method for determining the planar static equilibrium of a tether cable subjected to a uniform current and constant-velocity vehicle motion, to support design analysis and ensure the safe operation of tether management system (TMS)–remote-operated vehicle (ROV) systems. The tether cable was modeled as an inextensible, torsion-free element subjected to distributed loads, including its effective self-weight and hydrodynamic forces. The governing equations were formulated as a boundary-value problem in which the positions of both cable endpoints were prescribed. The hydrodynamic forces were evaluated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations conducted over a range of current velocities, cable diameters, and inflow angles from 0° to 90°. The CFD results were synthesized and parameterized as drag and lift coefficients that depend on the local cable inclination angle and were subsequently approximated with polynomial models to enable efficient evaluation during the static analysis. The resulting nonlinear boundary-value problem was solved using a Newton iterative method. The proposed approach enabled rapid predictions of the cable geometry and tension distribution, providing an effective tool for static analysis and operational planning of ROV systems under steady-current conditions and constant-velocity vehicle motion.

Source: Journal of Ocean Engineering and Technology

DOI: 10.26748/ksoe.2026.012

Authors: Anh Khoa Vo, Muhammad Sulman, Hyeon Kyu Yoon

Institution: Changwon National University

Language: English

Topic: Underwater Vehicles and Communication Systems

Subfield: Ocean Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $300