EuroSpeleo 2016

Measuring Energy to Dynamically Break a Rope

Oral|Dr Bob Mehew

Abstract

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.