WHOI Cable: time domain numerical modeling of moored and towed oceanographic systems

A new computer program is described for analyzing the statics and dynamics of oceanographic cable structures. The numerical program, WHOI Cable, features a nonlinear solver that includes the effects of geometric and material nonlinearities, bending stiffness for seamless modeling of slack cables, and a model for the interaction of cable segments with the seafloor. The program solves surface and subsurface single-point mooring problems, systems with multiple anchored ends, and towing and drifter problems. Forcing includes waves, current, wind, ship speed, and pay-out of cable. The programs that make-up WHOI Cable run under Unix, DOS, and Windows. There is a familiar Windows-style interface available for Windows 95 and Windows NT platforms. The mathematical framework, numerical algorithm, and interface for WHOI Cable are described and example applications from design and validation studies are presented.