The use of snubbers as strain limiters in ocean moorings

Buoy based seafloor observatories require lightweight synthetic strength member electro-optical anchor cables to be feasible. Typically these cables have maximum elongations of around 0.6% before damage occurs to the copper and optical elements and therefore provide minimal compliance to absorb wave and current forces acting on the surface buoy and cable. A stretchy mechanical system known as a snubber has been developed at WHOI for absorbing wave energy and protecting the buoy electro-optical cable from excessive strain. Results are presented from field trials of three different ocean mooring designs that all use snubber hoses as a key design element.