Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to navigation Skip directly to page options Skip directly to site content

Mining Publication: Model for the Structure of Round-Strand Wire Ropes

Original creation date: September 1998

Image of publication Model for the Structure of Round-Strand Wire Ropes

The behavior of wire ropes used in hoisting is not well understood. In an effort to improve this understanding, the structure of round-strand wire ropes was analyzed. This report provides a generalized mathematical model that completely describes the geometry of the wires. It consists of two sets of vector equations and is valid for any round-strand wire rope. One set of equations is used to trace the paths of wires that have the form of a single helix; the other is used for the paths of double helical wires. The specific model for a 33-mm 6X19 Seale, independent wire rope core (IWRC), right regular lay wire rope was presented as an example. The paths and the geometric properties of the wires, which include the path length per lay of strand, the curvature, and the torsion, were determined from this model. The effects of strain deformation were analyzed, resulting in a system of equations for determining the structural parameters of the deformed rope. In future work, the model could be used to analyze wire ropes of different constructions so that a more scientifically based understanding of rope behavior can be established.

Authors: RC Wang, AJ Miscoe, WM McKewan

Report of Investigations - September 1998

NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20000227

Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-148, Report of Investigations 9644, 1998 Sep; :1-19


TOP