Improving lifetime estimation for wire ropes with the Leipzig method

Abstract

The paper is dedicated to the calculative lifetime estimation of running wire ropes, which are used in a wide variety of applications. Specifically, the Leipzig method is described with its details as one of the established procedures for determining endurable numbers of bending cycles for the service life and lifetime of running wire ropes. Furthermore, the paper will give an update to the present improvements in regard to this method. Different wire tensile strengths, compaction grades and degrees of internal rope deterioration were part of a CBOS test series including follow up examinations. As a result, adjustments for a modified interpretation of the overall stress – the basic value for the woehler-line system of the Leipzig method – are presented. The adjustments have been shown to increase the accuracy of the lifetime estimation and thus take into account the increasing relevance of rope drive analyses e. g. in standardisation development.

Author(s): M.Anders, T.Schmidt