Mechanics of Elastic Performance of Textile Materials

As a first step in studying the factors which determine the efficiency of cordage structures, a series of related experiments have been performed on the common cordage fibers. The basic mechanical properties of Manila and domestic Abaca, Sisal, Henequen, and Sansevieria fibers have been determined by a study of their one-time loading to rupture and repeated-tension char acteristics. Data are presented on: (1) those fiber properties deemed most significant in terms of cordage use; (2) the effects of processing fibers into yarns; and (3) mechanical properties under varying ambient atmospheric conditions representing some of the extreme environments under which cordage is used.