Nonlinear Analysis

In CableCAD, both geometrical and material nonlinear effects are modeled. Large deformations (elongation, rotation, and bending), nonlinear stress-strain curves, plastic wire indentation into adjacent cylindrical layers, and circumferential layer locking (at 100% coverage) are included in the model.  Such nonlinear effects can be significant in predicting cable behavior, especially for torque-balanced and stress-balanced cable constructions.

Wire Indentation

Indentation of a circular wire into an adjacent cylindrical layer can significantly affect the axial and torsional properties of a cable.  To determine wire indentation, CableCAD uses the Durometer (Shore A) hardness of the indented cylindrical layer.  Indentations that occur in use, as well as initial indentations produced during manufacturing or preloading, can be included in the model.  No assumptions related to  filling of wire interstices are required to estimate this important effect on cable behavior.

Automatic Torque Balance

CableCAD automatically can adjust the lay angle of any helical wire layer to minimize the cable torque developed over the range of applied cable tension.