Design curve determination for two-layered wire rope strand using p-version finite element code

Parametric analysis of a two-layered axially loaded strand is performed using the recently developed p-version finite element code, which describes the geometry well and takes into account all possible inter-wire motions and frictional contact between the wires. A special nonlinear contact theory was developed based on the Hertz-theory. It is assumed that the wires have homogenous, isotropic, linear elastic material properties. The developed code is a tool for designing wire rope strands that require low computer resources and short computational time. Case studies are performed to verify and demonstrate the efficiency and applicability of the method. Design curves are presented according to the strand geometry parameters such as helix angle and ratio of the wire radius in the different layers. The optimal geometry parameters for a given strand can be determined using these design curves.