Calculation of modulus and torque of a 6×19 IWRC rope with a Finite Element Model using beam elements

This paper relates an improved approach to the calculation of rope properties using the Finite Element Method. Increases in computing power and software developments make it feasible to handle the three dimensional complexity of ropes with the Finite Element Method. The approach in this paper is to demonstrate the need for a three dimensional representation of ropes and to embrace the opportunity to fully capture this three dimensional geometry by modelling the individual wires with beam elements. A 6×19 IWRC rope is modelled with an idealised helical geometry. It is then subjected to an initial loading scenario which acts to bed the rope and make the geometry more representative of the actual manufactured rope. Modulus and torque are then modelled, analysed and compared against values documented in recognised literature.

Author(s): M. Bechtold and A. Jeays