Abstract The
random oscillations of small-sag, small-diameter cables induced by a turbulent
wind are investigated through a reduced-order model containing both mechanical
and aerodynamic nonlinearities. The model is formulated on the basis of a
state-of-the-art cable nonlinear theory for the description of the mechanical
behaviour, and of the quasi-steady assumption for the description of the
aerodynamic forces. The discretization is carried out by a standard Galerkin
approach and the resulting model is presented adopting a compact vectorial formalism
enabling the formulation of expressions independent of the order of discretization
order, as well as of the order of the nonlinearities retained in the expression
of aerodynamic forces. A Monte Carlo parametric
analysis on a case-study, representative of a suspended cable typical of
overhead power-line applications, introduces a discussion on the convergence of
the modal expansions and highlights the respective importance of the different
classes of nonlinear terms included in the model.
