The main goal of this book is to present the methods used to calculate the most important parameters for ropes, and to explain how they are applied on the basis of numerous sample calculations. The book, based on the most important chapters of the German book DRAHTSEILE, has been updated to reflect the latest developments, with the new edition especially focusing on computational methods for wire ropes. Many new calculations and examples have also been added to facilitate the dimensioning and calculation of mechanical characteristics of wire ropes. This book offers a valuable resource for all those working with wire ropes, including construction engineers, operators and supervisors of machines and installations involving wire ropes.

Mechanical engineering, an engineering discipline borne of the needs of the industrial revolution, is once again asked to do its substantial share in the call for industrial renewal. The general call is urgent as we face profound issues of productivity and competitiveness that require engineering solutions, among others. The Mechanical Engineering Series is a new series, featuring graduate texts and research monographs, intended to address the need for information in contemporary areas of mechanical engineering. The series is conceived as a comprehensive one that will cover a broad range of concentrations important to mechanical engineering graduate education and research. We are fortunate to have a distinguished roster of consulting editors, each an expert in one of the areas of concentration. The names of the consulting editors are listed on the first page of the volume. The areas of concentration are applied mechanics, biomechanics, computational mechanics, dynamic systems and control, energetics, mechanics of materials, processing, thermal science, and tribology. Professor Leckie, the consulting editor for applied mechanics, and I are pleased to present the third volume of the series: Theory of Wire Rope by Professor Costello. The selection of this volume underscores again the interest of the Mechanical Engineering Series to provide our readers with topical monographs as well as graduate texts.

The main concern of this book is to present the methods used to calculate the most important rope quantities as well as to explain how they are applied by means of a large number of calculations as examples. The book, based on the most important chapters of the German book DRAHTSEILE, has been kept up to date and takes into account the most recent developments.

The time when every vessel going to sea made use of 3-strand rope has gone. Splicing that type of rope and cord is relatively straightforward. Nowadays the most common type of rope used on board yachts, dinghies, motorboats, working boats and ferries is braided rope. Few people have the knowledge to splice it, or even where to start. Splicing Modern Ropes is the first guide to this essential skill. It explains why splices are better – and stronger – than knots or shackles for joining or shortening rope, and how to go about it. With this skill, yachtsmen can customise their ropes, optimise their deck layout, taper their sheets for ease of handling, and splice an extra cover on their ropes to give better grip, avoid chafe and make them last longer. Using clear, step-by-step photography and detailed instructions, this book will guide readers through all the stages required to make strong, reliable splices.