4. Conclusion
In this study, we analyzed a static mechanics of an axially moving cable used in a two-ship continuous line bucket (CLB) system. This analysis was used to estimate the grounding length of the cable, which is directly related to the amount of mineral resources scooped by a bucket. The governing equations comprise the static equilibrium of forces acting on the cable and the geometrical conditions imposed on the submerged length of the cable and on the horizontal distance between the two ships. An algorithm for solving the governing equations was developed. Calculations showed that the analytical method can be used to obtain a solution fulfilling all the governing equations. Variations in the rate of collection of the buckets and in the interval of the buckets change the grounding length and the end positions of the grounding part of the cable. The length of the submerged part is closely related to the maximum grounding length. The distance between the two ships governs the grounding length within a range from zero to the maximum.