r3.08.05 A finite cable-pulley element

Summary:

Pulleys play an important role in cable structures such as overhead power lines. It is therefore useful to know how to model them in a way that is both realistic and efficient. The finite element formulation of a cable section passing through a pulley is presented: expressions of internal forces and of the stiffness matrix. The pulley can be fixed or supported by a flexible structure. Its position on the cable at equilibrium is not known a prima facie: this position is the one for which the tension of the cable is the same on both sides.

• 1. Ratings
• 2. Introduction
• 3. Assumptions and definition of a finite cable-pulley element
• 4. Internal forces of a finite cable-pulley element
• 5. Stiffness matrix
• 6. Mass matrix
• 7. Introduction of the cable-pulley element in the Code_Aster
• 8. Application example
• 9. Conclusion
• 10. Bibliography
• 11. Description of document versions