Analysis of a type of dynamic problem by a simulation approach

Abstract

Mechanical cables are used in a multitude of engineering applications: towing, remotecontrol, ocean bottom search and survey, salvage recovery operations and a large variety of mechanical systems. The present investigation deals with a basic dynamic model which represents a severe operational requirement in most cable systems. Consider a rod AB moving with constant velocity V o in the direction AB with an attached mass M at B. The end A is suddenly brought to rest. Following a one dimensional wave approach one can find the solution in terms of a series of non-orthogonal functions. If additional complexities come into play-e.g., a segmented cable system, several masses attached to the cable, damping, etc.-it is convenient to make use of an approximate method. It is shown in the present paper that the simulation method can be used to advantage in a great variety of problems typified by the previous example.