CHANGES IN ROPE PROPERTIES AND THEIR EFFECT ON THE RESULTING STRESS DISTRIBUTION OF A MULTI-LAYER ROPE DRUM WOUND WITH FIBRE ROPE

High-performance fibre ropes are increasingly relevant in technical systems due to their multiple advantages. In a variety of applications, these ropes have the potential to replace conventional wire ropes. The success of this approach is contingent upon the knowledge of the existing rope characteristics and their effects on the load on the rope drum, which is essential for the appropriate dimensioning of the drum. The present paper examines various characteristics of rope hat change over the service life of the rope, and the resulting effects on the loading scenario of the rope drum. The influencing variables include the longitudinal and lateral modulus of elasticity, the ratio of the two moduli of elasticity, rope ovalisation and the frictional behaviour between rope and groove, as well as rope sections. For the experimental tests, fibre ropes were examined in new condition. The ropes are then wound back and forth on a winding test rig in multi-layer winding, which represents rope application. During the process of spooling, the stresses occurring in the rope drum are recorded. Subsequent to the fracture of the rope, the altered rope properties are determined experientially, and their influence on the drum stress is analysed.

Keywords: fibre rope, rope properties, drum stress

Author(s): D. Küster, M. Stök, A. Lohrengel