Multiscale finite element modelling of dynamic subsea power cables in bending

Abstract This paper proposes a multiscale finite element modelling strategy for dynamic offshore power cables which allows for detailed analysis of individual components. The challenge of modelling the intricate power cores within the cable is addressed by considering a separate repeated unit cell (RUC) of the power core to define its stiffness, where the power cores themselves are then discretised with beam elements in the dynamic cable model. Periodic boundary conditions allowing for geometric non-linearity are employed at both the power core and dynamic cable scale. This means the model size can be reduced to the smallest possible RUC while still permitting non-linear material behaviour. The resulting model is capable of detailed stress analysis of individual components required for fatigue life estimation. The model is validated against existing experimental data showing strong agreement. The proposed multiscale approach may therefore be used to augment existing fatigue analysis methods for dynamic offshore cables where the stress state at individual wires is required.