| Abstract: | Kevlar 29 fiber has been widely considered for the manufacture of very-long high-performance cables. Due to low transverse strength fiber-on-fiber rubbing leads to rapid deterioration. The usefulness of impregnating Kevlar 29 braids with resin to overcome this drawback has been evaluated by performing reverse bending fatigue tests. Braids of identical construction, one of them being impregnated with a polyurethane resin by a patented process, were fatigued to failure on a purpose-built rig under varying applied loads. Fatigue tests were also carried out to 30 percent and 50 percent of total braid life and residual strength values measured. It was found that high applied loads (～50 percent of ultimate) lead to premature braid failure dominated by a creep mechanism. Both braids showed similar behavior, although the impregnated braid was superior. At low applied loads, however, where the failure mechanisms was dominated by wear or internal abrasion, it was seen that resin impregnation could increase braid life by a factor of four. Resin impregnation coupled with bending fatigue significantly stiffens braids, as was demonstrated by tensile testing up to braid failure. |
