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

"This proposal addresses development of a new generation of ropes based on advances in fibers, protective materials and manufacturing. These ropes must be as strong and stiff in tension as current wire ropes, yet be much lighter and more flexible. Newmaterials must be resistant to abrasion, wear, creep, and thermal degradation. Phase I will focus on an initial study to identify economically viable materials and processing. It will consider many potential applications including opportunities forcost-effective modifications to rope pathway equipment. The work will be performed by a team experts in fibers, rope mechanics, materials science, and mechanical design chosen from Cornell, ADC and Reading. Tasks will include visits to Naval facilitiesand rope, fiber an polymer manufacturers to determine (a) improved versions of aramid, polyethylene, PBO and polyester fibers, as well as a new fiber, "M5", (b) new heat-resistant, anti-friction treatments, (c) new strand jacketing materials (e.g. M5fiber), and (d) new rope design software. One or more specific rope designs will be proposed for further development. Offshore structures, ship mooring, hoists including deep mine elevators, cranes"