The Effect of Wire Rope Mechanics on the Material Properties of Cord Composites: An Elasticity Approach

Abstract

An analytical model is presented for the behavior of cord reinforced rubber composite plates taking into account the extension-twisting coupling of the cord based on an equilibrium formulation. The effect of the cord mechanics on the unidirectional lamina properties is investigated for various modulus ratios and geometries. The equations of equilibrium are derived for the unidirectional plate. Solutions are found for the following plate problems, uniaxial tension along the cord direction, uniaxial tension perpendicular to the cord direction, and pure shear. These solutions are used to obtain average material properties and to investigate the influence of cord mechanics on the plate response. For very flexible synthetic rubbers, the behavior of the unidirectional lamina exhibits a good deal of extension twisting coupling, whereas for stiffer vulcanized rubbers, the rubber acts to restrain the cords from unwinding.