| Abstract: | This paper aims to research the cable-lead-in rod effect on a towed system through mathematical modeling and numerical simulations. The rod dynamics, as a key part of this study, is modeled using the combination of cable node governing equations and kinematic constraint conditions. As the first attempt to analyze such a problem, the rod is simply treated as an elastic cable segment so as to be incorporated into the dynamics of the cable, and a set of algorithm is then proposed based on the kinematic constraint conditions to fully describe its motions. Meanwhile, the cable and the underwater vehicle are modeled by the traditional lumped mass method and the 6 degree-of-freedom maneuverability equations for submarines respectively; the coupling boundary conditions besides the rod dynamics are also given to form the whole system's model. Several numerical cases are performed to investigate the rod effect on the system in different maneuver situations. Some meaningful conclusions are drawn through comparative analysis. |
