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THE FULLY-DEVELOPED TURNING CONFIGURATION OF UNDERWATER TOWED SYSTEMS
ROnald T. Hartlen
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Abstract
The paper presents an analytical study of the steady-state turning configuration of underwater towing systems. Turning is discussed in terms of three behaviour regimes characterized by near zero values of cable weight, body sideforce or turn rate. For generality the analysis is presented in dimensionless form. The primary parameter is a dimensionless turn rate dependent upon absolute turn rate, cable length and drag, and cable tension. At high rates the body turn radius may be much smaller than that of the ship, causing large horizontal tow-off angle at the ship and increased body depth. Tow-off angles and sideload at the ship generally reach maxima and then decrease with increasing turn rate. Centrifugal body force can draw the body outside the ship turning circle, but even then the cable may tow off to the inside at the ship. Three hypothetical examples are employed to illustrate the main features of turning behaviour. (Author)