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Overview

Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software has provided most manufacturing industries with tremendous productivity gains over the past 20 years. The cable industry has not realized these gains, however, because modeling complex helical geometry is difficult using general purpose CAD software. For analysis, expert knowledge is required to define a finite element mesh with appropriate contact and other boundary conditions. CableCAD overcomes these obstacles with specialized cable modeling features that allow you to literally model and analyze your designs in minutes.

The best way to learn about CableCAD's capabilities is to watch our overview presentation. (Adobe Flash Player required.)

Summary of Features

Modeling

Analysis

  • Finite element modeler
  • Layer element modeler
  • Nonlinear mechanical and thermal analysis
  • Automatic torque-balance
  • Frictional bending
  • Wire indentation
  • Layer locking at 100% coverage
  • Radial axes of symmetry

Loads

  • Axial tension
  • Twist
  • Free bending or bending over a sheave (with friction)
  • Full or partial external pressure
  • Component internal pressure
  • Clamping
  • Thermal loads

Output

  • Cable axial strain
  • Cable torque or rotation
  • Change of cable diameter
  • Cable strength
  • Equivalent axial and bending rigidities
  • Tension, torque contributions of each layer
  • Minimum cable bend diameter
  • Radial pressure between layers
  • Component stresses
  • Factors of safety (yield and ultimate)
  • Layer breaking strength
  • Initial and final wire layer coverages
  • Individual layer and total cable weights
  • Layer mean temperature change
  • Nodal force listing at all circular component nodes
  • Plots of all analysis results
  • Three-dimensional cable plot
  • Layer description plot
  • Print, paste, export graphics and results

Download Brochure

Click the button below to get a copy of our product brochure.  You will need a PDF file reader to open the brochure. Print it double-sided on a color printer using 11x17 inch paper for best results.

Brochure

Publications

Read the technical article "Computer-aided Design of Cables For Optimal Performance" from the July, 2002 issue of Sea Technology magazine.

System Requirements

  • Microsoft® Windows® XP or 7
  • at least 32 MB RAM
  • at least 20 MB disk space
  • Super VGA graphics (600x800 or 1024x768 or better) card and monitor recommended
  • 2 MB video memory
  • CD-ROM drive
  • USB port
  • A mouse or other pointing device