Comparison of Two Seafloor Observatory Mooring Designs

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare two seafloor observatory mooring designs. The first mooring uses a subsurface float with an “S-tether” positioned above it. The other design uses distributed buoyancy to create an S-tether in the lower half of the mooring line. The maximum tensions at the anchor and in the snubber hose, bending fatigue parameter called contact stress-slip parameter at critical locations, and the dynamic motion in the cable is monitored. The trade-offs between the two designs, and the important design parameters that affect the tensions, bending fatigue, and the dynamic motion are discussed.