Pre-elimination approach to the modelling of segmented representations of cable shape with application to the positioning of a towed sensor (Q1074288)

The authors consider a three dimensional cable. They indicate that it can be approximated by segments in two ways, namely by point masses at the joins of massless segments, and by segments consisting of massive rigid rods, freely jointed. A discussion is given of conditions under which the two models are equivalent, that is the discrete cable shapes are the same, the force vectors at corresponding end points are the same and the tensions in both sets of cable elements are the same. A graph is given for results obtained for a towed underwater sensor.