Some dynamic properties of axially loaded wire ropes

Results are presented on the transverse damping, the transverse fundamental natural frequency as well as the longitudinal fundamental natural frequency for axially loaded wire ropes. Twelve different wire ropes are tested. During the test, a mass is centrally attached to the rope. The results indicate an increasing transverse damping with an increasing axial load. This damping is primarily attributed to a Coulomb damping. Although core material and construction influence the transverse damping of the wire rope, no relationships are found when comparing this damping with the structural strength, the number of wires used in the rope, the alloy composition or the heat treatment of the rope materials. The transverse and longitudinal fundamental natural frequencies of the axially loaded wire ropes with a mass centrally attached has been satisfactorily modeled.