Cable Stiffness Characterization for a single layered cable – sheave contact through mathematical model

¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, MVJ College of Engineering, Bangalore, India
² Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indra Ganesan College of Engineering, Trichy, India
³ Department of ECE, T. John Institute of Technology, Bangalore, Visvesvaraya Technological University, India
⁴ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Global Academy of Technology, Bengaluru, India
⁵ Department of Mechanical Engineering, J.J. College of Engineering and Technology, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India
⁶ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Bangalore, India
⁸ Department of Mechanical Engineering, PERI Institute of Technology, Mannivakkam, Chennai 600048, Tamil Nadu, India
⁹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, Virudhunagar, India

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published online: 26 September 2025

Abstract

The characterization of cable stiffness has gained importance due to the increasing demand for longer cable life cycles. This has spurred research interest in studying the contact mechanics of cable-sheave assemblies to enhance stiffness performance. In this context, the current work to tests one-layered stiffness of helical strand composed of a stretched central core surrounded by six helical wires in core-wire contact. The stranded cable bends uniformly as it passes on a sheave. For static loading conditions, considered for various combined loadings like tension, torsion, and bending. This study employs thin rod theory and linear elasticity to develop a novel mathematical model describing the cable's behavior when in contact with the pulley or sheave. The stiffness values, including axial, torsional, and flexural rigidities, along with coupling parameters, are determined and estimated. Based on these estimations and computational analyses, the effect of the sheave or pulley's deformation on cable stiffness is examined, considering the interplay of tension, torsion, bending, and the contact state with the sheave.