Problems related to the design of multi-layer drums for synthetic and hybrid ropes

Rope drum and rope – as parts of a hoisting system, must constantly be improved and modified concerning increasing requirements. To fulfil the requirement of a further weight reduction of the system, high strength chemical-fibre (man-made fibre) ropes or compound constructions, so called hybrids, shall be used in the future in multi-layer winding on the drum. Their rope characteristics, that are different from those of common ropes, cause an entirely different drum load, which urgently requires an adaptation of the existing calculation bases to the new rope types. This paper shall give a review on current projects on designing and dimensioning rope drums with a multi-layer winding with synthetic or hybrid ropes and gives an outlook on further required steps to the adaptation of the calculation processes.

Author(s): P. Dietz, A. Lohrengel, T.; Schwarzer and M. Wachter