Geometrical and Mechanical Considerations for the Outer Plastic Coating of Wire Ropes in Multi-layer Spooling

Abstract: 

In the context of multi-layer spooling with outer plastic-coated wire ropes, the coating undergoes a significant geometrical deformation, adopting either a square or hexagonal configuration depending on the different sections of the rope drum. This phenomenon leads to a complete displacement of the plastic material in the contact area between two ropes if the plastic sheath is too thin. Consequently, the determination of the minimum sheath thickness is based on the geometric restrictions imposed by the drum and rope geometry. In order to facilitate the proper selection of a suitable plastic material, it is imperative to quantitatively characterise the magnitude of the deformations and strains that manifest during multilayer spooling. Accordingly, the analysis was carried out using the Finite Element Method (FEM) to accurately determine and evaluate these critical parameters. Both the analytical and numerical results were compared with those obtained for ropes in multi-layer spooling. 

Author(s): M. Stokes, Y. Cheng, A. Lohrengel