Effects of Long Term Tension on Kevlar Ropes: Some Preliminary Results

This paper is a summary of the preliminary results obtained thus far in the NUSC Kevlar Test Program. The purpose of the program is to investigate the documented strength reduction of a number of Kevlar ropes when subjected to a variety of loads in the ocean environment. Long term tests, both in-air and in-sea water were initiated with periodic residual testing to establish the effects of load, time and environment on over 400 rope samples. Final and more conclusive results will be available upon completion of the 12 month test period in November 1978.