Methodology for the development of an energy absorber: Application to worker security ropes

Work-related falls are a major problem in the construction and roofing industries. To avoid serious injury to the worker caused by high decelerations or forces, different systems to absorb the energy of a fall are implemented in personal protective equipment. Most products are designed to tear open woven fabrics, which are most often made of polyamide. A new concept is developed in the present work using a single yarn loop made of partially stretched polyester yarns to absorb the energy of a fall. Quasi-static and dynamic force–elongation curves derived from four different yarn types are analysed for their usability in the construction of an energy absorber conforming to known standards. In addition, engineering principles which have been used to characterize polymeric foams have been adapted to the present study.