Friction pairings in different rope drive applications from hoists and elevators based on traction up to shaft mining drives are subject of ongoing research and development. The friction which is to be used for moving the rope is depending on a variety of parameters. Beside conventional and new materials of rope with its lubrication and sheave lining, the surrounding conditions are determining for the resulting friction coefficients. Parameters like temperature, humidity as well as the pressing and relative slip velocities between the friction partners lead to a non-constant friction coefficient. The contribution introduces different procedures to determine friction coefficients for rope drive applications on a laboratory scale. Furthermore, the importance of distinguishing the conditions in laboratory tests and in the real world conditions in the application will be pointed out. Together with the development of new products with higher requirements concerning performance, new materials are being applied. With the look of friction pairings these new materials have to be proven regarding the friction coefficient under a variety of conditions in order to ensure safety during operation, especially in safety-relevant rope drives.

Prof. Dr. Ing. habil. Thorsten Schmidt
Institut für Technische Logistik und Arbeitssysteme
Technische Universität Dresden
Germany