In this study, three types of synthetic fiber materials were evaluated, namely, DM20, SK78, and T147, to replace steel chains in shipbuilding and offshore fields with fiber chains as there is increasing demand for chains with lighter weights and improved usabilities. The strength and quasi-static stiffness were analyzed to select suitable yarns for the fiber chains. The durability of the yarn was evaluated by performing a 3-T (time to rupture) test as a specific tension level. The results of the experiment revealed excellent dynamic stiffness in DM20 and highest values of the windward and leeward stiffness in T147. 3-T linear design characteristic curves for a specific tension level were derived for the three types of fiber materials. The findings of this study can provide insights for improving strength and durability in fiber chain design.

In this study, a fiber chain was developed to replace a steel chain using high-modulus polyethylene DM20. The pick count, wrapping count, and inner length were selected as the main design variables of the fiber chain and were analyzed to increase the breaking strength. Orthogonal array experiments were conducted, and the results were analyzed with respect to the breaking strength. The analysis revealed that the pick count and wrapping count had meaningful effects at significance levels within 5%. The main effect analysis revealed that a smaller pick count, larger wrapping count, and longer inner length caused the breaking strength to increase. With the wrapping count fixed at 1, a pick count less than -0.65, and an inner length greater than 0.38, the breaking strength was calculated to be greater than 300 kN. These results are expected be important factors in the derivation of an optimal combination of design variables to attain a fiber chain with a targeted strength.