Modelling Heat Buildup In Large Polyester Ropes

The use of synthetic fibre ropes in offshore rig and platform mooring is becoming increasingly likely. A leading candidate fibre is polyester since it has an excellent blend of properties. Like other fibre ropes, polyester ropes have low weight compared to steel and their consequent flat catenary restricts platform offset. Polyester ropes have relatively low modulus, so minimising fatigue loadings produced by first order wave motions. The inherent tension-tension fatigue life of polyester ropes is good. Polyester is also a good choice in terms of cost. The subject of this paper is the possible heat buildup in the large diameter ropes that will be required to compensate for polyester's relatively low inherent strength.