EXTENT AND CAUSE OF DETERIORATION OF NYLON MOUNTAIN CLIMBING ROPE

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: AD0631428 | Open PDF

Abstract:

An analysis was made of 20 nylon mountain climbing ropes which had been in use for periods up to 18 years, to discover the extent and cause of deterioration in strength and energy-absorbing ability and changes in hardness and stiffness. It was found that loss in strength and energy-absorbing ability arise primarily from fiber abrasion which occurs at the surface of the rope. The nature of the rope construction is such that surface abrasion affects each of the three strands of the rope and all of the yarns in each strand except the few which constitute the so called inner-core. There is no evidence that sunlight damage occurred to any significant extent in these ropes. The amount of abrasion, and loss of strength were directly related to the amount of use not age, for those ropes that had more quantitative use histories. A Use Index computed from the number of days of use may be used to estimate rope deterioration. The extent of hardening and stiffening of the ropes was found to vary over a wide spectrum, but the causal factors were not determined.

Author(s):
Weiner, Louis I. ; Sheehan, Leo J.
Author Organization(s):
ARMY NATICK LABS MA CLOTHING AND ORGANIC MATERIALS LAB
Descriptive Note:
Technical rept.
Supplementary Note:
Prepared in cooperation with Boston Naval Shipyard. Materials Lab. DOI: 10.21236/AD0631428
Pagination:
0083

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
66-24-CM, TS-135
Project Number(s):
DA-1C024401A113
Monitor Series:
NATICK
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_4.5.4_Requirements Definition; JCA_4.5_Operational Contract Support; JCA_8.2.4_Leverage Capacities and Capabilities of Security Establishments; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_1.2.5_Lessons Learned; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation
Modernization Areas:
Directed Energy
Communities of Interest:
Ground and Sea Platforms
Descriptor(s):
*NYLON, *CORDAGE, MECHANICAL PROPERTIES, ELASTIC PROPERTIES, ABRASIVES, SYNTHETIC FIBERS, HARDNESS, DEGRADATION
Field(s)/Group(s):
Textiles
Report Date:
1966 Mar 01