Influence of coiling behavior on axial stress in steel wires of submarine power cables: A numerical study

Coiling processes that are commonly employed to lay submarine power cables to static tanks on ships cause twisting and bending deformations of the cables, potentially affecting the integrity and safety. This study investigates the mechanical behavior of submarine power cables subjected to combined torsional and bending loads using analytical models and finite element method-based software. The objective of the numerical analysis was to evaluate compressive stresses generated within the armor wires of submarine power cables. Additionally, the investigation was extended to assess the potential risk of wire buckling, i.e., bird-caging. The influence of wire pitch length and tank diameter on the magnitude of compressive stress was examined, and the findings revealed a decrease in the likelihood of wire buckling with longer pitch lengths and larger tank diameters. The results of this study will offer valuable insights into the cross-sectional design and the mechanical behavior of submarine power cables subjected to coiling operation. •Study on submarine power cables under combined torsional and bending loads during coiling, assessing structural impact.•Torsional behavior primarily governs the extent of compressive stress on the armor wire.•This study will provide valuable insights to optimize the design of submarine power cables for improved coiling performance and structural reliability.