Abstract:
A rope structure contains first and second sets of fibers. The first set of fibers is twisted together. The second set of fibers is twisted around the first set of fibers to form yarns. The first set of fibers is formed of a first material, the second set of fibers is formed of a second material, and elongation of the first set of fibers is different from elongation of the second set of fibers. Twists applied to the first and second fibers are such that loads on the rope structure are substantially evenly distributed across individual fibers. The yarns are combined to form strands in the form of a 3-strand rope. The strands are combined using a single braid process to form the rope structure defining a void space. The rope structure is formed such that lengths of fibers in the first and second sets are approximately the same.