The mechanical behavior of a wire rope with an independent wire rope core

A new model for simulating the mechanical response of a wire rope with an independent wire rope core is presented. The rope is subjected to both an axial load and an axial torque. In contrast with previous models that consider the effective response of wound strands, the present model fully considers the double-helix configuration of individual wires within the wound strand. This enables to directly relate the wire level stress to the overall load applied at the rope level. The model assumes a fiber response of individual wires. Two alternative kinematics of the wires are considered, and are used to predict the elastic response of the rope. The postulated kinematics are theoretically validated and the predicted rope response is in agreement with new experimental data. The new model enables the extraction of the stress at the wire level that can be used in turn to estimate global features of the rope such as force interaction between wires, rope stiffness, strength, and fatigue life.