Measuring Energy to Dynamically Break a Rope
Session code: OT6
Oral / Technical, Main EuroSpeleo Conference
Dr Bob Mehew
Summary
The presentation will cover the development of a means of measuring the extension of rope in a dynamic drop test, together with a force measurement to thus calculate the energy required to dynamically breaking a rope. Results for a variety of ropes will be presented and the implications for cavers (and others who use static ropes) will be discussed. Results from a program of work on the impact of use on a rope’s strength will also be presented.
Biography
I have been BCA’s Rope Test Officer for over 10 years and tested well over 1000 samples of rope. We have both a mobile rig and fixed rig instrumented to measure the energy required to dynamically break a rope, see CREG Journals 75 & 90.
Affiliations
R Rodgers, A Latchford
