IN DEPTH ANALYSIS OF THE SOCKET TERMINATION, AND PROPOSAL FOR A NEW ROPE TERMINATION METHOD

Summary

In 1832 Guillaume Henri Dufour wrote “it is only by friction that the cable is fixed in the socket body....”

This paper will present results from a numerical simulation model which has been built as part of this study. The analysis shows that the socket termination works as a self-locking wedge system. The self-locking behavior is driven by the friction in the system.

The influence of each parameter (angle, length, coefficient of friction, stiffness, thickness, shrinkage, shape of the cone, initiation load, pre-stress…) has been analyzed.

The key factors related to the self-locking mechanism have been identified. The behavior of the system is very dependent of the construction and material of the rope.

The results of the analysis also show that the termination may not slide, (which may give the feeling that it is working) even if not in a self-locking situation. However, the safe use of the socket termination is limited to the self-locking configurations.

The same simulation tool has been used for the analysis of a specific socket system which has proved to be an efficient end connector for wire and fibre ropes.

The paper will also present the results of a comprehensive series of tests that have been undertaken using with this new socket system.

Author(s): J.M. Teissier, I.M.L. Ridge and J.M. Dodd