Interactive graphical database for undersea cable design

The development of a CAD program for undersea communication and power umbilical cables is described. This program permits the designer to rapidly and accurately lay out the geometry of standard cable components that results in the most compact cross-section possible. The architecture of the program is discussed in terms of efficient data management. A necessary requirement of the cable CAD program is the true geometric shape of all components to insure an accurate fit between adjacent elements. An algorithm that accurately maps the cable components to single and double helical paths is included. To optimize the geometrical construction by considering alternative combinations of component locations, the program can automatically fit components in the interstitial locations of adjacent helical layers