Sensitivity of small-scale global models of dynamic power cables to model material properties

Dynamic power cables transmit electricity from floating offshore renewable energy devices to seabed connections. While global numerical models are commonly used to design cable configurations, smallscale wave tank experiments offer an alternative approach. This study investigates the effects of bending and axial stiffness on key results, providing guidance for selecting materials for scale models of dynamic power cables. Simulations of a 15 MW floating offshore wind turbine were conducted in OrcaFlex, varying stiffness values. The findings show that changing axial stiffness has no impact. Bending stiffness within five times the target value maintains a similar static shape, whereas a range of 0.9 to 4 times the target value is needed to keep maximum curvature within a 20% increase. Lower bending stiffness produces similar maximum tension, but higher stiffness reduces it by up to 12%. This study informs how much stiffness properties can deviate from target scale values while ensuring reliable results.