Oceantek proposes to develop and validate a numerical tool to incorporate into existing software systems that will allow the user to compute a true and accurate representation of the cable/pipe shape as it lays on an irregular bottom terrain. It would also include the spans and points of contact on the bottom as well as the bend radii (to compute induced stresses) developed at the contact points. As the cable/pipe is laid over the ocean bottom, it bends over obstacles and free spans are created. The severity of these bends and the length of these spans are a strong function of the bottom roughness. Given the values of water depth along specific bottom tracks, the cable/pipe properties (wet weight and bending stiffness) and the cable/pipe bottom tension, the proposed software would determine the bottom contact points, the length and locations of the free spans, and the bend radii and global forces at the contact points.
Benefits: Immediate application to both military and commercial users providing ability to evaluate bottom conditions affecting survivability of cables/pipelines on ocean floor. Also to assist surveyors and planners in route selection, decrease time of survey analysis while at sea and to lower overall survey costs.
Keywords: Cable/Pipe Bend Cable/Pipe Spans Cable/Pipe Installation Cable/Pipe Shape Cable/Pipe Stresses
