Application of internal friction nondestructive evaluation technique for wire ropes used in mining operations

This report discusses the work done, and results obtained, in a program conducted to determine the feasibility of applying the Internal Friction Damping - Nondestructive Evaluation (IFD-NDE) technique to wire rope. Samples of wire rope were evaluated in laboratory experiments by measuring the internal friction damping while varying several test parameters. These parameters included tensile load, frequency of test, time under load and others. The report includes discussion of wire rope mechanics and application history of NDE. Also included are sections detailing IFD-NDE theory, experimental apparatus, and test technique. The data obtained in the program work is reviewed with several results and conclusions drawn. The report closes with recommendations for further work.