Cable Kinking Analysis and Prevention

Kinking of electromechanical cables in underwater applications is a continuing design problem. One mechanism for this is the formation of a loop due to the combined action of torsion and tensile loads which then tightens and forms a kink upon subsequent increase of tensile load. This mechanism is analyzed to determine the critical combinations of tension, torsion, mechanical properties, and cable slack required for kinking and to provide rules for the prevention of kinking. Other kinking mechanisms are also dicussed. The analyses are shown to compare well with published experimental data.