Abstract:

Because there have been few studies on visual simulation of highline cable thus far, a simulation model that reflects how the shape of highline cable changes visually at various replenishment stages of alongside replenishment for solid cargo was proposed. With analysis of forces exerted on highline cable, expressions of several mechanical properties and parametric equations that described the shape of highline cable were deduced using the theory of catenary and structural mechanics, which comprised algorithmic sub models of different stages. Then, based on such algorithmic sub models, a series of physical sub models were established in the Unity platform. Both algorithmic sub models and physical sub models constituted the simulation model. This kind of model differed from the pure mathematical model and theoretical simulation model because it was able to not only display how the shape of highline cable changed qualitatively but also manifest values of these relevant physical properties in real time quantificationally. Results of executions indicate that this model can reliably mirror changes of highline cable at various stages of replenishment.