Electro-Mechanical High Impact Wire "Hiwire (TM)" for Severe Mechanical Stress Applications of Ropes and Cables

Tow cables and special Launch ropes of synthetic fiber materials often require conductor cores that must operate under severe conditions of tensile shock loading over a wide range of elongations that absorb the impacts. These composite conductor cables have been produced for several years. A modified design has been made for high voltage and temperature conditions for space. Two 85.000 ft. tethers are now being made. KEVLAR^(R)and SPECTRA^(R)(ref.2,3)have been used as cable strength members, where low elongation and weight are critical, while nylon and polyester have been used for optimumshock absorbtion. The composite core construction allows for large variations in mechanical and thermal properties. A review is given here of the properties and designs currently in production.