Crosstrack Dynamics of a Long Cable Towed in the Ocean

This paper documents a study of the horizontal motion of the downstream end of a towed cable when the motion of the towing vessels is known. The dynamic position of the downstream end of the cable is a consequence of the random crosstrack meandering of the towing vessel as it imperfectly maintains a constant course. The Specific purpose of the study was to supply a method to predict the horizontal motion. Other contributors to cable dynamics, such as ocean current, are not addressed. A linear theory for the transverse motion of a cable being towed without purposeful maneuvers was developed. A cable experiment was then performed at sea to verify the linear transfer function relating the transverse horizontal motion of the upstream and downstream ends of a long steel cable was calculated and measured.