Finite element analysis of hoisting rope and fretting wear evolution and fatigue life estimation of steel wires

This paper is concerned with the finite element analysis of hoisting rope and three-layered strand for the exploration of fretting fatigue parameters and stress distributions on the cross-section. Also, the Archard’s wear law based evolution of fretting wear depth of wires crossed at different angles and implications to fatigue life estimations of fretted wires were presented. The results show that different wires in the rope or strand and distinct material models in the analyses both induce different stress distributions and fretting fatigue parameters. The predicted fretting wear depths of wires show good agreement with experimental results.

► 6 × 19 + IWS rope and three-layered strand are analyzed using finite element method. ► Fretting fatigue parameters and stress states of the rope or strand are explored. ► The evolution of fretting wear depth of wires crossed at different angles is obtained. ► Implications to fatigue life estimations of fretted wires are presented.