Strength analysis of a multi-clip joint

The paper is concerned with strength analysis of multi-clip joints. Such structures enable visible growth of the carrying capacity and make them elements easily assembled by the clamping jaws and a single-clamp press. Each joint exerts an appreciable influence upon the safety level of the whole structure. A numerical analysis was performed to assess the effect of clearance between a sleeve and rope upon the joint quality. Phenomena emerging in the area between the clips were analysed as well. Some strength tests related to the process of drawing the wire rope out of the sleeve were also investigated. Changes in the stiffness of the clamping sleeve were analysed in view of the influence of the aforementioned factors upon the carrying capacity of joints and the sleeve material effort. Experimental investigations were conducted as well aiming at the determination of the smallest possible number of clips or the effective length of joints necessary for carrying the loads higher than the admissible load of the wire rope.