Finite element modeling of IWRC wire rope to reproduce axial and radial-direction stiffnesses

Abstract

We have developed a finite element model to reproduce the axial and radial stiffnesses of IWRC 6×Fi(29) wire ropes for cranes. Since IWRC 6×Fi(29) employs steel-wire core, the number of contact points is much larger than that of fiber-core rope. Therefore, complicated modelling of contact between wires is required. Firstly, we have developed finite element models of Fi(29) and IWRC. Then, we have realized the modelling of IWRC 6×Fi(29) by twisting them. In order to reproduce the actual shape and contact conditions of wires, cross-sectional images taken by the X-ray CT are used. For the validation of the model, the axial tensile tests and radial compression tests are conducted for Fi(29), IWRC and IWRC 6×Fi(29). As for axial tensile stiffness, the finite element model well reproduces the experimental results. As for radial compression stiffness, the finite element model reproduces the nonlinearity and hysteresis of the compressive force-displacement curves and the radial stiffness in the low-loading region. The difference in the radial-direction stiffness in the high-loading region might be caused by the difference in contact situation between wires. From the comparison with the our previous results of fiber-core rope 8×S(19), high resistance against the lateral pressure of steel-core rope is proved.

Keywords

• finite element method
• wire rope
• contact problem
• fatigue
• iwrc