Climbing ropes

Climbing ropes are made of Perlon, one of the many varieties of nylon. 

Many advances in organic chemistry involve making and using derivatives of carboxylic acids. Proteins are bonded by amide functional groups, and chemists have created synthetic amides that emulate the desirable properties of proteins. For example, the nylon in a climbing rope is a synthetic polyamide that emulates the protein in a spider s web. All the penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics are amides that extend the antimicrobial properties of naturally occurring antibiotics. 

Reports on long-term performance of man-made fibers are few. However, an analysis has been made of 20 nylon climbing ropes that had been used for up to 18 years, and it was found that significant deterioration had occurred. Note, however, that the deterioration was related to the amount and type of use and not to age. Loss in strength was a result primarily of fiber abrasion of the rope surface, and there was no evidence of significant light degradation (92). 

This chapter contains three case studies. The first one on climbing rope illustrates the technology of fibre production and rope construction to meet specific mechanical property targets. There are some similarities between rope and the much smaller scale braided sutures used in surgery. Further sport case studies, on polymer foam protective gear and materials in running shoes, are mentioned in the Further Reading section. 

Figure 15.7 shows the rope force versus extension from a drop test on 1.8 m of dynamic climbing rope. A rigid mass of 11 kg was used with a fall factor of 1.0. The assumed linear loading response is a reasonable approximation once the load exceeds 0.6 kN and the strands have bedded-in . There is significant energy absorption on unloading. 

BSEN 892 1997 Mountaineering Equipment—Dynamic Climbing Ropes—Safety Requirements and Test Methods, BSI, London. 

Cutler, S. and Lebaron, J., Performance of nylon climbing ropes, at class.et.byu.edu/mfg340/ qualityreports/nylon.htm, 1992. 

C—NH—(CHjlj—C-bNH—(CHjlj climbing ropes, violin string... 

To reach his tree house, Raymond has to climb 9y feet up a rope ladder, then 8- feet up the tree-trunk. How far does Raymond have to climb altogether ... 

Vogel, W. H. (1969) Physiological disposition of 5-methoxytryptamine and the rope climbing performance of rats. Psychopharmacologia, 15 88-95. 

Enrichment Movable stainless steel mirror, plastic tools, plastic balls, wood chips, seeds mixed into wood chips Sleeping box, a balcony, and several wooden climbing bars/ropes... 

Sleeping box, a balcony and several wooden climbing bars/ropes... 

One would think that a woman with such a history and reputation would be fearless. But apparently, this is not the case. Amie tells us that she has always been afraid of heights, and had chosen rock climbing to face her fears. The hazard of the sport is apparent. After all, a long fall can kill. But in a twist to Amies story, it turns out that she was only three feet off the ground and attached by a rope to a skilled partner who loved her. Therefore, the probability of a negative consequence was extremely low. It is clear then that our own sense of risk can frighten us even if the activity is not likely to cause harm. 

From the locality, which was accessible only by strenuous rock-climbing, about 3 tons of material were brought down, by means of an aerial rope-way specially erected for the period of excavation, to the valley for washing in the brook. 

Supply light, sturdy ropes for tying the clipboard or hand-measuring devices and draping them over the shoulders while climbing ladders. 

The people (or teams of people) are allowed to use standard mountain climbing and camping gear (such as ropes and backpacks) but not sophisticated electrical mechanisms such as engines. 

Recreational personal support Mountain climbing caving rescue rope... 

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