Improvements in potted socket terminations

Simple design enhancements can significantly improve the performance of the resin potted socket termination commonly used on high-modulus fiber ropes. Radial plates are placed in the socket cavity to divide it into smaller cavities. This reduces axial movement of the center rope elements under tension and thus reduces load imbalance among the rope elements. The socket cavity wall slope is increased to reduce radial pressures and improve holding efficiency. A shaped body is placed within the cavity to alter stress distribution, and the radial plates then serve to position this insert. Tests were conducted on 38 mm (1½ in.) dia. six-strand aramid fiber rope to compare the conventional and the improved potted socket termination. Average new breaking strength was increased by over 50%. Statistical variation of strength was decreased from 19% to 4%. In a cyclic tension test, after 200,000 cycles at 45% of that improved breaking strength, there was no strength reduction