Numerical Simulation of Crack Propagation in Seven-Wire Strand

Abstract

This paper discusses certain aspects of numerical simulation of crack propagation in wire ropes subjected to axial loading, with the aim to explore and to demonstrate the capacity, performances and difficulties of crack propagation modeling by usage of numerical computational methods in such complex structures. For this purpose, the finite element method (FEM) was used, and 3D numerical analyses were performed in Ansys Workbench software. In order to validate and verify performed numerical modeling, crack growth rate based on calculated stress intensity factors (SIFs) along the crack fronts was obtained for the model for which experimental results could be found in the available literature. Finally, using the advanced modeling techniques, the parametric 3D model of seven-wire strand was analyzed. Conducted analysis showed that FEM could be a powerful tool for fatigue life predictions in order to reduce the need for experiments, which are still the only successful method for fatigue life estimation of wire ropes.