Physical modeling for underwater flexible systems dynamic simulation

Fishing gear systems and aquaculture facilities are generally considered as a flexible system in which many mass points are connected with elastic lines. A physically based calculation model to simulate the flexible structures' behavior is presented in order to understand the movements and design an appropriate system. The flexible system described is composed of a network of masses and springs, the behavior of which is calculated using the implicit integration method of the fundamental law of dynamics. This method offers low computational times and a stable solution. Also, this paper is characterized by automatic modeling methods using a computer graphic user interface and application examples on the netting and fishing gear system behaviors. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.