A Review of Methods for Termination of Synthetic-Fiber Ropes.

摘要

Rope termination methods, ancient and modern, are reviewed, with special attention to the needs of the United States Coast Guard's Lightweight Mooring Materials Program. The mechanical features which can enhance or detract from the effectiveness of a termination are outlined. Termination methods are screened in terms of strength, life expectancy, skill requirements, cost and safety. It is concluded that for every rope construction there is at least one eye splice which measures up to all criteria very well. Thimbles, especially recent non-metallic designs, promise to protect the eyes from abrasion. It is recommended that resin-potted fittings be reserved for special applications, such as electromechanical terminations. Frictional appliances of metallic construction appear to offer no advantage to offset their inherent vulnerability to corrosion. One frictional appliance of non-metallic construction has been found, and appears to be worthy of further consideration.