Material selection for climbing hardware using the example of a belay device

19th Chemnitz Seminar on Materials Engineering – 19. Werkstofftechnisches Kolloquium

Semenov, E.^1 ; Schwanitz, S.^1 ; Odenwald, S.^1

Chemnitz University of Technology, Institute of Lightweight Structures, Reichenhainer Str. 70, Chemnitz

09126, Germany^1

关键词: Friction properties;    High strength aluminium alloys;    Literature researches;    Material choice;    Material selection;    Safety-Related;    Sports equipment;    X ray fluorescence;   

Others  :  https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/181/1/012038/pdf
DOI  :  10.1088/1757-899X/181/1/012038

来源: IOP

【 摘 要 】

The aim of the research project was to design a novel climbing belay device. The present article describes the details of the therefor performed material selection. Literature research on the materials used in commercially available belay devices revealed a lack of definite information. Thus, a pilot x-ray fluorescence (XRF) test was performed on a small sample of common aluminium belay devices. It revealed the use of a variety of different alloy systems. The selection process continued by compiling a thorough list of constraints and objectives for this safety related piece of sports equipment. Different material options including non-aluminium-materials were discussed. The final material choice was a high strength aluminium alloy with a T6 thermal treatment. The device was designed and calculated by use of CAD and FEM software respectively, aiming to reduce weight. After manufacturing the strength, usability and friction properties of the device have been successfully tested.