Wire Rope and Rope Modeler Computer simulation for the optimization of wire rope and rope construction   We believe in practical experience as the most important tool for the design and analyze of ropes systems. We also believe in real loading cycle tests to verify rope/wire rope performance. However, we have the experience that a valid model to simulate the rope and a wise utilization may save money time and expenses in development projects. In the following the basics and fundamentals of the computerized model to analyze and simulate the stresses and mechanical response of a wire rope is described. This model was developed by Dr. Ronen Ashkenazi in his Ph.D thesis and continuously updated during tests. The model was successfully applied to simulate and design of synthetic ropes constructed of high performance fibers for elevator application, to simuate stresses in ropes under high rotation loading.   Model's fundamentals: 1. Defining and constructing the geometrical model of the rope: these include all geometrical features of all individual double helix wires, and strand configuration. Triple helix configuration of individual twisted yarns constructed in cords and strands are also fully considered. 2. Dividing all individual wires/yarns into finite elements which are constructed along the wire axis. Each elementis defined by a local Frennet Serret frame. 3. Definition of the internal kinematics. Depends on the cross section of the rope and the interface between strand layers, wire shape etc, the relative displacements and friction forces are defined with respect to the local Frennet - Serret frame of each element. 4. Determination of the global displacements of the rope, i.e. axial elongation, rotation and radius of curvature when bent over a sheave. 5. Calculating the deformed configuration of the individual wires According the defined kinematic, the deformed configuration of the individual wire is determined. The deformed configuration includes: · · The deformed configuration of the centerline of each wire · · The change in curvature of the centerline · · The twist strains along the wire axis as induced by rotation. 6. Calculations of the bending, torsion and axial tension acting in each element. 7. Calculation of the stiffness matrix. 8. Calculation of the bending, tension and torsion stress distribution along each individual wire. 9. Calculation of local relative displacements between adjacent wires     The application of the model to simulate the mechanical properties of hybrid and synthetic ropes. Actual rope development activities are concentrated on the design of lighter suspensions means for the mining and high rise hoisting/elevation applications. Specific designs consider the integration of synthetic high performance fibers with steel strands i.e. an-hybrid rope. One of the critical property/parameter of hybrid rope is the equal load sharing between synthetic and steel components, during the whole service life. This model can be applied for the design of rope construction in order to achieve full load sharing between the different components. The model may simulate and optimize the geometrical featires of each individual member i.e. helix angles of the wires, strands, helix angles of  individual yarns and cords, denier level of yarns and radial locations.   The development of a rope construction is associated with the preparation of high no. of samples for the static and fatigue testing. The utilization of the model for the dsign of samples while defining the critical parameters according to faitgue and static tests may considerably reduce costs and time. The content (content being images, text, sound and video files, programs and scripts) of this website is copyright © M.R.E. Matron Rope and Wire Rope Engineering LTD, All rights expressly reserved.