Advanced Fibers, Anti-Friction Materials and Jackets for Navy Ropes

摘要

The overall objective of phase II is to develop a synthetic rope that is significantly more robust than existing ropes, approaching the strength and resistance to damage of wire rope, while maintaining the substantial advantages of synthetics - low weight, greater flexibility, longer fatigue life and minimal maintenance. This will be accomplished by research on materials, surface treatments, coatings and structure at the fiber, yam, strand and finished rope levels. After complete testing with 3/8' diameter ropes the contractor will select up to five candidate constructions for testing in 1' diameter. Testing these ropes in legacy systems will be undertaken as an option during phase II; fabrication of test facilities for larger ropes will be undertaken as an option for transition to phase III. In addition embedded sensors within the rope will be developed and demonstrated to anticipate impending failure. The overall objective of phase II is to develop a synthetic rope that is significantly more robust than existing ropes, approaching the strength and resistance to damage of wire rope, while maintaining the substantial advantages of synthetics - low weight, greater flexibility, longer fatigue life and minimal maintenance. This will be accomplished by research on materials, surface treatments, coatings and structure at the fiber, yam, strand and finished rope levels. After complete testing with 3/8' diameter ropes the contractor will select up to five candidate constructions for testing in 1' diameter. Testing these ropes in legacy systems will be undertaken as an option during phase II; fabrication of test facilities for larger ropes will be undertaken as an option for transition to phase III. In addition embedded sensors within the rope will be developed and demonstrated to anticipate impending failure.