LAI Zhenhua,SHU Xin,GE Pan,ZHU Pengcheng,ZHAO Zhong.Ultrasonic Assisted Electroplating Method for Improving Tension Reduction Performance of Drive Traction Winch Cable Groove[J],54(11):74-82
Ultrasonic Assisted Electroplating Method for Improving Tension Reduction Performance of Drive Traction Winch Cable Groove
Received:October 11, 2024  Revised:May 06, 2025
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DOI:10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2025.11.006
KeyWord:winch  cable tension  ultrasonic assisted electroplating  friction coefficient  winch cable grooves
              
AuthorInstitution
LAI Zhenhua China Special Vehicle Research Institute, Hubei Jingmen , China
SHU Xin China Special Vehicle Research Institute, Hubei Jingmen , China
GE Pan Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu Zhenjiang , China
ZHU Pengcheng Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu Zhenjiang , China
ZHAO Zhong Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu Zhenjiang , China
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Abstract:
      The cable-dragging winch serves as a pivotal component in deep-sea exploration. Given the harsh and demanding conditions encountered in deep-sea environments, the materials and design of the winch, particularly the cable grooves, play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and longevity of the cables used. Currently, many winch cable grooves are constructed from stainless steel, which is favored for its strength and resistance to corrosion. However, a significant challenge arises due to the uniform friction coefficients present across multiple cable grooves. This uniformity can lead to uneven distribution of frictional forces when the cable is subject to tension, which ultimately contributes to premature wear and breakage at the interface between the cable and the winch. This research addresses the pressing issue of uneven frictional force distribution that results in the degradation of cables during operation. Specifically, the paper presents a novel approach utilizing ultrasonic-assisted electroplating to modify the surface properties of the winch cable grooves, and create a variable friction coefficient across the cable grooves, thereby reducing the overall tension experienced by the cable during deployment and retrieval processes. By minimizing sudden fluctuations in cable tension, this innovative approach aims to significantly enhance the operational reliability of deep-sea exploration equipment. The methodology involves conducting a series of ultrasonic-assisted electroplating experiments to apply nickel (Ni) coatings to the stainless-steel surfaces of the winch. The process begins with meticulous preparation of the winch surfaces to ensure optimal adhesion and uniformity of the electroplated layer. After the plating process, XRD is employed to analyze the crystal size of the nickel coating. This microstructural analysis is critical as it provides insights into the mechanical properties of the coating, which directly influence the frictional behavior at the interface with the cable. Following the characterization of the coatings, friction tests are performed to measure the friction coefficients at the interface between the modified winch cable grooves and the cable. These tests are vital in assessing how the modifications affect the interaction between the winch and the cable during practical operating conditions. Additionally, load-bearing experiments are conducted to evaluate the tension-reducing effects of the modified winch under controlled conditions. The experimental results reveal a significant correlation between the ultrasonic power applied during electroplating and the resulting properties of the nickel coating. Specifically, as the ultrasonic power increases from 0 W to 300 W, the grain size of the nickel coating grows substantially from 19.1 nm to 35.1 nm. This change in grain size is associated with a marked increase in the friction coefficient between the modified groove and the cable, rising from 0.09 to 0.23. Furthermore, at a load of 20 kN, the modified winch demonstrates a 21% reduction in the tension decay rate of the cable within the first three grooves compared with the unmodified version. Based on the Bowden's friction theory, the study discusses the underlying friction mechanisms at play in the modified winch, providing a theoretical framework to understand how the modifications contribute to improved performance. The findings indicate that the proposed ultrasonic-assisted electroplating method not only enhances the friction characteristics of the winch cable grooves but also plays a critical role in preventing sudden changes in cable tension, thereby reducing the risk of cable breakage and wear. In conclusion, this research presents a significant advancement in the design and functionality of winch systems used in deep-sea exploration. By addressing the issues of frictional force distribution and cable tension fluctuations, the proposed method offers a promising pathway to enhance the reliability and durability of cables in demanding underwater environments. This work lays a ground for future innovations in winch design and deep-sea technology, ultimately contributing to the efficiency and safety of marine research operations.
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