How do ground surface conditions effect the lifetime of synthetic ropes? 

Cable wear is caused by abrasion, a superficial but progressive damage to the rope surface. During winch operation the rope is subjected to different types of abrasion, progressively weakening the fiber structure. There are two types of abrasion:

• Adhesive wear occurs when two solid surfaces slide over one another. The materials are plastically deformed and eventually melted by the high local pressure. When rope is bend the internal fibers are subjected to this type of abrasion.
• Abrasive wear occurs when material is removed by contact with hard particles.

During pay out and fist launch stages the rope is in contact with the ground (abrasive wear). The degree of wear depends on the ground surface.

 Gravel contains a countless number of sharp protrusions that damage the rope fibers at an alarming rate(abrasive wear). Using synthetic ropes on gravel is not possible unless special measures to prevent ground contact are taken! Preventing contact during pay out only is not sufficient. Even during the fist launch stages (taking slack, acceleration and rotation), the rope will be subjected to excessive wear. Please feel free to ask our advice.

Most types of asphalt contain materials with sharp protrusions. Some of these protrusions are covered by the softer and smoother binding material. However it is our experience that using synthetic ropes on asphalt results in excessive wear. Compared to gravel, similar measures are required to get a long lifetime of the rope.  

If a synthetic rope would be suitable for sand covered air fields depends on a number of factors.  Sand types with a large percentage of sediment, where the sharp edges have eroded, will cause limited wear. Other types may may be less suitable. If you have any doubts about using synthetic ropes on your air field please feel free to ask our advice.

Synthetic ropes are so light that they "float" on grass. The material is hard enough to withstand abrasive wear.