Mechanical Response of a Tubular Braided Cable with an Elastic Core

Abstract

A model is developed for the linear clastic response of a diamond tubular braid containing a flexil le elastic core. The analysis assumes small displacements, and special assumptions are made regarding strand crossover geometry and strand lateral compressibility. Key parameters influencing the mechanical response are the braid helix angle, the crimp angle at strand crossovers, and the modulus and Poisson's ratio of the core. Special attention is given to the case where the core is flexible but essentially incompressible. The braid strength and stiffness decrease as either the braid helivangle or crimp angle are increased. Furthermore the "Chinese finger" effect of the braid on the core significantly reduces the brand strength and modulus for larger braid helix angles. Limited experimental data is presented which supports the theoretical conclusions.