PROSPECT AND PROGRESSION OF KEY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS IN MARINE CABLES

Marine energy is a key area that countries around the world are competing to develop today. Marine cable connecting various facilities of marine energy production system is one of the key equipment for energy transmission and production control and is known as the “lifeline” in marine energy development. Designing marine cables that can resist extreme marine environments, meet the requirements of bending flexibility in installation and service, and achieve structural performance with “rigid and flexible”, is the core challenge to be addressed in the field of marine energy development. This paper discusses the structural characteristics of multi-component and multi-layer spiral winding of marine cables, and comprehensively summarizes the research progress of key mechanical issues in the field of marine cable design, analysis and testing. Firstly, for the theoretical analysis method of marine cable, the general theories of tension, torsion and bending stiffness, and the research advances of the tension-torsion coupling mechanism and nonlinear bending behavior are described. Secondly, the application of numerical simulation methods in marine cable engineering is introduced, especially the research results of purpose-built simulation software for numerical analysis of marine cables. Thirdly, the multi-field coupling analysis, optimum structural design and fatigue life calculation method of marine cables are discussed. Finally, the test technology and test equipment for marine cables are introduced in detail. Through a detailed summary of research methods and hotspots of marine cables, this paper reveals the main research methods and key technical difficulties in this field, and looks forward to the main technical requirements and research directions of marine cables for future development. The above summary provides basic theory and technical reference for the high reliability engineering application of marine cables in China's offshore oil and gas energy development.