Study on Buried Depth Protection Index of Submarine Cable Based on Physical and Numerical Modeling

The buried depth of submarine cables is very important to avoid damage on the cable from dropping and dragging anchors. This study focused on the actual engineering needs of submarine power cable protection and laying construction. In order to investigate the buried depth protection index of submarine cable, physical model tests, theory analysis, and numerical simulations were conducted in this study. The effects of the bottoming velocity, dropping energy, and anchor mass on the anchor penetration depth were analyzed and investigated. The analytical model based on the impact and drag mechanism is presented to analyze the forces and energy on the anchor. The accuracy and reliable of the model test results are verified by the theory analysis and numerical simulation, indicating that the buried depth protection index of the submarine cable in the research area is recommended to be 3 m. The research results can provide guidance for operation of the submarine cable laying machine and submarine cable protection.