Shape correction of deep-towed seismic arrays by using floaters and a cone-shaped drogue.

Deep-towed multi-channel seismic arrays play vital role in marine geological exploration. However, these arrays often assume a "W" shape due to the weight of digital transmission units, adversely affecting hydrophone positioning and strata imaging. Floaters and a cone-shaped drogue are designed to correct the array shape, and numerical simulations are employed to validate the corrective effect in this paper. Additional drag forces induced by the floaters and drogue are identified using computational fluid dynamics, then they are integrated into the array model compiled to express the nonuniform mass distribution and concentrated loads based on absolute nodal coordinate formulation. Moreover, bending characteristics of arrays is fine-tuned through physical tests. Finally, simulation results indicate the floater has obvious effect than the drogue in the array shape correction, and the array shape becomes a simple convex curve with the presence of floaters and drogues under various towing conditions, facilitating hydrophone positioning. Furthermore, the array shape from the travel time positioning in sea trials also exhibit similar convex curves, and the signal-to-noise ratio of the seabed profile is much improved compare to previous one. This study also underscores the efficiency of numerical simulation in developing stabilization equipment for deep-towed multi-channel seismic arrays. • Floaters and drogue are designed to correct "W" shape in deep-towed seismic arrays. • ANCF-based model simulates array corrections, enhancing understanding and design efficiency. • Correction results in a streamlined array shape, aiding data processing and positioning accuracy. • Travel time positioning confirms correction effectiveness. • Drogue enhances array stability, mitigating effects of seawater density variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]