Dynamic coefficient estimation using variational and least-squares techniques

This paper presents a variational and least-squares technique for determining the dynamic coefficients of a tethered marine platform, the IOS WOCE Rosette Sampler. The virtue of these techniques is that they use data (pressure and tether tension) acquired during normal profiling operations and do not require any special procedures. The measured cable tension agrees closely with the tension predicted by a mathematical model of the Rosette sampler. The derived coefficients can be used in models of the ship-tether-platform system to predict the occurrence of zero cable tension and the subsequent snap loads which can damage, and possibly break, the tether.