Modeling Procedure SOLID186 – Ten-Noded Tetrahedral 198 Elements 5247 Elements *Needed mid-nodes to model curves

Convergence Testing Performed To Ensure Model Precision Meshes under 2000 elements exhibited inconsistent results Mesh Elements Mesh Elements Mesh Elements Mesh Elements Mesh Elements Mesh Elements Mesh Elements Mesh Elements Mesh 1-Refined 5247 Elements

Experimental Strain Testing Averaged Elemental Equivalent Stresses over Gauge Region Applied Load in Instron Machine

Experimental Strain Testing

Photoelastic Comparison Simulated loading in Photoelastic Apparatus Created photoelastic model of cam lobe from clear polymer Stress concentrations closely matched FE predictions

Photoelastic Comparison General stress fields similar Hard to simulate photoelastic stress fringes Would have more success with Material specifications

Failure Analysis 30 kN (6750 lb) 20 kN (4500 lb) 15 kN (3350 lb) Stress Results for 12.5 kN (2800 lb) Loads Exceeding 12.5 kN were found to cause excessive plastic failure Main failure regions were not in the arches UIAA Standards require 12 kN rating for rope Manufacturer Rating: 14.4 kN