Experimental validation of a two-part underwater tow

The trajectory of a submerged body being towed by a surface vessel is affected by the wave induced motion of the latter. In an effort to decouple this motion, a two-part tow configuration has been employed. This paper briefly describes a three-dimensional model of the two-part tow, where the two cables are modelled separately and dynamically interfaced. The model is validated against experimental results from scaled model tests in a circulating water channel by comparing the vertical and horizontal motions and the cable tension at the tow point.