A concise finite element model for simple straight wire rope strand

Abstract

Due to its complex geometry, a wire in a rope is subjected to the combined effects of tension, shear, bending, torsion, contact, friction and possible local plastic yielding when loaded. In this paper an accurate and general strand model using the finite element method (FEM) is presented. The model is capable of taking into account all the above effects and has been successfully used to predict the global behaviour of simple straight wire rope strand as well as the stress distribution within the wires under axial loads (tensile and torsional). In simplifying the finite element model, precise boundary conditions were developed. The finite element analysis results showed excellent agreement with the analytical theory of Costello and the experimental results of Utting and Jones. By using the model developed in this paper, localised highly non-linear phenomena such as contact stress, residual stress, friction and plastic deformation can be studied effectively.