Oilers/Plant Tenders (HHC) Civil Service Practice Exam

In a 6 x 19 Seale wire rope, what is true about the wires in one strand?

1. They are all the same diameter

2. They have varying lengths

3. They are of different diameters

4. They are made of different metals

The correct answer is: They are of different diameters

In a 6 x 19 Seale wire rope, each strand in the rope consists of a number of wires that are arranged in a specific configuration. The "6 x 19" notation indicates that there are 6 strands, with each strand containing 19 individual wires. In this configuration, the wires in each strand are typically of different diameters. The reason for using wires of varying diameters is largely related to optimizing the rope's strength and flexibility. By incorporating thicker wires in certain positions within the strand and thinner wires in others, the design can enhance the rope's resistance to abrasion and bending stress, as well as its overall load-carrying capacity. Therefore, the correct answer indicates that the wires in one strand of a 6 x 19 Seale wire rope are of different diameters, reflecting an intentional design choice aimed at improving performance under working conditions. This nuanced design highlights the importance of understanding wire rope construction for applications involving load-bearing and tensioning.