We are interested in modeling the interaction between elements within a typical twisted fiber structure such as a thread or cable using numerical analysis techniques. A twisted cable or thread requires frictional forces between its constituent filaments to stay together and to transmit tension along its length. Fine-scaled studies of these forces and the properties on which they depend are computationally intensive due to the large number of filaments involved. This project focused on four individual fibers constituting a single twisted helix structure. The dynamics and failure modes of the helix were analyzed in order to assess the relationship between strand disengagement and constraints on the system. The primary research tool utilized in this project is the LS-DYNA finite element analysis software package.
