Influence of mechanical damage on the fatigue behaviour of locked coil wire ropes

The surface of locked coil ropes, i.e. the outer wire layer, can be mechanically damaged during mounting and service operations. ln this work well defined damage was introduced in a locked coil rope. Fatigue tests were performed using a pulley rolling over the damaged ropes under a constant F/T ratio. It was shown that the damage lowers the service life of the ropes. The residual stress status was determined by means of X-ray diffraction. The crack initiation mechanism was investigated by using microscopical methods. ln order to enhance the service life of damaged ropes different restoration techniques were applied. A recommendation for the ropeway enterprises is given.

Author(s): C. Hellwig & P. Vaclavik