Axial stiffness and torsional effects in a 76 mm wire rope: Experimental data and theoretical predictions

Some recent tests on a 6 × 41 wire rope of 76 mm diameter are reported. A specimen 7 m long whose ends were prevented from rotating was used with axial loads ranging up to 1.4 MN. Axial stiffnesses were measured, both for large load ranges and for small load perturbations superimposed on larger mean loads. The torque generated in the rope by axial load was measured, as was the response of the axially preloaded rope to external torque applied at the mid-point of the rope. These experimental data are reported and compared with new theoretical predictions, and with other theoretical results and a range of manufacturers' rules. Some encouraging correlations have been found.