Experimental study of the use of a cabestan drum in a through winch with a flexible rope

The article examines the possibility of using a cabestan drum as the rope-driving element of a through winch employing a polyamide rope for vertical load lifting. Examples of existing types of mobile and through winches are provided, and their advantages and disadvantages are highlighted. The methodology for obtaining the dependence of the traction coefficient of a rope-driving sheave on rope tension and groove profile is considered. The goals and objectives of the study are formulated. Experimental test rigs were developed, and a series of tests was performed to investigate the influence of the number and arrangement of rope turns and the direction of drum rotation on the friction coefficient, traction coefficient, and overall performance of the system. Additionally, the influence of the position and proper functioning of the side stop on the uniformity of rope winding and the limiting trac-tion characteristics of the winch was assessed. The behavior of the system in lifting and lowering modes was examined, and the occurrence of rope rewinding during drum rotation in the lowering direction was identified. It was established that the cabestan drum can be used as the rope-driving element of a through winch for lifting loads; however, for safe lowering, alternative methods not involving the winch drive are required, relying instead on the system’s own weight.