Mechanical response research of submarine power cables under axial compression

Submarine power cables (SPCs) in floating offshore wind systems are increasingly subjected to complex mechanical loading, yet their behavior under axial compression remains insufficiently understood. This study investigates the overall and component mechanical responses of single-core SPCs under compressive loading by combining finite element modeling with an analytical framework. A computationally efficient solid-beam-surface hybrid finite element model for a single-core submarine power cable (SPC) is developed and verified through mesh-sensitivity studies, energy-balance checks, and comparison with analytical predictions of compressive ultimate load. Results show that axial compression induces a strongly nonlinear load-displacement response governed by sequential participation of metallic and polymeric layers. Parametric studies further demonstrate that cable length exerts a moderate influence on compressive behavior, whereas helical pitch length strongly governs compression stiffness, yield load, and ultimate capacity. Overall, the findings improve understanding of compression-induced deformation and load-transfer mechanisms in SPCs and provide quantitative guidance for modeling and design.