Core laying pitch-long 3D finite element model of an AC three-core armoured submarine cable with a length of 3 metres

Abstract This paper presents a complete three metre long 3D finite element method (FEM) model of a three-core submarine armoured cable. In this model, the different laying pitches of cores and armour steel wires are correctly taken into account. For the first time in technical literature, a 3 m long model has been successfully solved. The CPU times are very high i.e. about 70 h (mesh plus solver). IEC 60287-1-1 gives a strong overestimation of armour and screen power losses and consequently an important underestimation of cable current rating. It is worth noting that IEC gives an overestimation even if a 2D model is considered, i.e. the stranding is not taken into account.