The formation and growth of a cross kink in a rope under torsion: An interpretation based on structural mechanics

The application of large twistings to a thin rope is known to cause the occurrence and evolution of an intermediate cross kink. Using classical linear elastic structural mechanics, the branched equilibrium path, which characterizes the kink formation, has been obtained. This path is characterized by increasing torsional stiffness. Some energy considerations have been formulated to motivate why the rope moves along the branched path generating the cross kink.