I'm in the process of designing and fabricating a reasonably large
scale-model suspension bridge for a class project. It will be
primarily aluminum extrusion, 1/8" aluminum sheet, and 1/8" aircraft
cable (twisted steel cable). It will be loaded with approximately 100
or so pounds and the deflection will be measured and compared with the
model as designed (Autodesk Inventor 10's stress analysis feature can
display predicted deflection).
I am familiar with the aluminum crimp-style fittings commonly used
with this type of cable, however, I have only ever seen them in
parallel style fittings for use to create a loop at the end of the
cable. What I would like to create is a t-fitting that I could slide
onto the main cable, crimp in place, and then bring the suspender
cable up into the leg of the tee, and crimp it in place.
Since these components aren't structural (as in they aren't being used
for safety, etc.), my current thinking is to measure the wall
thickness of commercially available crimps for the correct size cable,
duplicate this in aluminum rod, making one piece for the bar of the
tee and another for the leg, fishmouth the leg, and have a friend tack-
TIG the two pieces together.
It doesn't seem like too much work, but I was wondering if anyone has
seen these commercially available or has a better solution.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
WW88--M. Fagan
- posted
15 years ago