An investigation of scale effects on towed cable system

A one-way Fluid and Structure interaction method is introduced based on a lumped parameters method and a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes solver with automatic viscous mesh generation. The lumped parameters method is numerically solved by fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. Unidirectional coupling by hydrodynamic interpolation and transformation from flow field to cable dynamics. A dimensional analysis is applied in this high Fluid and Structure Interaction (FSI) system. The Reynolds effects and Strouhal effects are both fully discussed. A two scale ratios model is applied in scale effect analysis. We found a similarity of hydrodynamic distribution and vortex shedding in scaled cable wake under only given two-ratios. The upper bound Reynolds effect is also discussed.