CABLE FAIRING 



Requirements 



The purpose of the cable fairing is to reduce the hydro- 

 dynamic load on the towline. Quantitative evaluations of the 

 requirements are difficult to formulate because of the effect 

 of fairing shape and materials on towing performance, handling 

 difficulties, cost and practicability of fabrication. Quali- 

 tative conclusions, derived from consideration of these fac- 

 tors, will thus have to suffice. 



The fairing must possess the following characteristics: 



1. Stability under tow; 



2. Structural strength adequate for withstanding 

 hydrodynamic and handling loads; 



3. Rigidity, to resist excessive stretching or bunching 

 under hydrodynamic loading; 



4. Flexibility, to permit grasping of the cable for 

 inhauling and paying out; 



5. Resistance to abrasion, crushing, sunlight, oil, 

 ozone f etc.; 



6. Resistance against permanent set or damage when 

 stored in multiple layers; 



7. Low cost in fabrication; and 



8. Simplicity in assembly to the cable. 



1.7 



