Tension and bending fatigue Modeling of cables

This paper summarizes recent progress in modeling the fatigue behavior of simple, helically-served cable constructions subjected to cyclical tension or steady tension with cyclical bending over a circular sheave. The model computes all stress components acting on steel helical wires and compares these with the crossed-wire contact stresses developed between wire layers. The stress concentration occurring between contacting wires is treated as an "equivalent notch" and the fatigue analysis follows the conventional practice of designing machine components. Model results are compared with results of tests made on an aerostat cable and a 1x19 steel strand. Considering some variation in material proper-ties of the as-built cable test specimens, model agreement with test results is promising.