No abstract

This article focuses on the development of an experimental measurement system intended for dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of fiber structures. First, a short review of DMA testing procedures is given, followed by an analysis of particularities of DMA application to fibers and rope assemblies. The necessity of developing a dedicated device for fiber assembly and rope applications is pointed out, as the commercial DMA testing devices available are intended for shorter specimens. Thus, the article insists on the underlying necessity to come up with a measurement device for much longer fiber specimens and a testing procedure therewith. Then the article presents the main concepts of the new device and its operation. Three different operating modes are presented with explanations of their functioning, their particularities, and the interest for rope testing. After that, the implementation of the testing device prototype is presented, describing the mechanical set up, electromagnetic elements, power and acquisition circuitry and software. At last, preliminary experimental results are provided demonstrating the feasibility of this solution and indications concerning the potential future developments of this kind of rope testing systems are given.