Members: The Capstan Equation
The Capstan Equation is a useful tool for rope technicians to fully understand the behaviour of two materials moving against each other such as ropes and hardware. This article explores this equation and its applications for rope technicians.
Consider a situation in which a rope runs over a curved surface. The ratio between the tension in the two strands of rope in equilibrium, is described by the Capstan Equation which takes the following form, where T2 pulls a load, and T1 resists that load.
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About The Author
Richard Delaney
Richard Delaney has worked professionally with ropes since 1992 as a multi-pitch rock-climbing instructor, technical rescue instructor and rope access technician. Understanding and teaching the Physics of Rigging is a core passion of Richard’s, one based on his experience, and his prior professional life as a qualified engineer.