Validation of the SEADYN90 Cable Simulation Model Using a Three- Dimensional Cable Deployment Data Set

This report presents data from a full-scale, three-dimensional cable payout test and the corresponding numerical simulations using the SEADYN90 computer model. The experiment, which was conducted at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC), deployed 10 miles of 3/4-inch-diameter cable from a vessel that followed a predetermined course. Ship position, cable payout rate, and current profile were measured, along with 11 cable descent trajectories at predefined intervals along the cable. The measured data were then input into SEADYN90 with minimal simplifications to ensure that modeling errors could be distinguished from input errors. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons between the numerical and measured trajectories were considered excellent when a normal drag coefficient of 2.54 +-0.1 (typical of strumming) was used. The results demonstrate that SEADYN90 is capable of accuretly modeling realistically complex test scenarios with stochastic current profiles, ship velocities, and payout rates, and that the data set is complete and high quality.