Raytheon Company

Robert R Holcombe

Steven G Parks

Patrick M Brogan

Benjamin A Teno

A stacking ring of elastomeric material for supporting a plurality of fairings is formed by molding the elastomeric material around a cable which has been prepared with a bonding agent to provide a compliant ring capable of supporting substantial loading along the cable axis. Low-friction bearing surfaces may be incorporated in the ends of the ring which also increase the axial force retention capability of the ring.

Cable fairing stacking ring

A fairing segment for a cable is of composite construction which combines an elastomeric fairing body with a flexible spring-steel clip in the fairing nose. The elastomeric body allows the fairing nose to conform to the cable catenary in the flow stream, presents a smooth leading edge of the flow, and reduces drag. The clip is flexible in the direction of the plane of the fairing to conform to bending of the cable over sheaves or in the water. The spring steel clip allows the fairing to freely rotate about the cable and to align with the flow stream by maintaining low interfacial friction between the cable and the fairing. The clip also minimizes or prevents cold flow of the elastomeric nose portion of the fairing segment into the interstices of the cable armor. The tail portion of the elastomeric body is stiffened to prevent cupping or bending which would cause kiting of the cable.

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S. Kingstown, RI, United States of America

Robert R Holcombe