Wind loading effects on a catenary

Abstract The effects of wind loads on the static profile and force transmission efficiency of a tether tied to a kite-like aerodynamic body has been theoretically examined. Two important parameters which characterize the behavior of the tether have been obtained. These are the tether weight parameter, which is the ratio of tether weight to the tether tension, and the wind load parameter, which is the ratio of wind load to the tether weight. Results obtained from five different tether models (straight line, catenary, constant velocity, variable velocity and maximum stress) have been compared to determine regions of applicability of these models in terms of the above two parameters.