The Savannah Tribune

MODERN CHAIN CABLES.

Huge Links Made to Hold Giant Ocean Liners.

Apropos of the massive chain cables made for the new Cunard liners, Shipping Illustrated gives some interesting facts.

In the illustration is shown three of the links of a huge cable made in Wales for the Cunard Steamship Company.

The iron is 3 in. diameter at the smallest part of the link. Each link measures about 22 1/4 in. in length, and weighs, with the crucible cast steel stud, about 160 pounds. Recently the Cunard Company gave notice that they required some links to be tested to destruction, and three links were cut off the cable as made and sent to Lloyd's Proving House at Netherton.

The sample was first tested to the British Admiralty proof strain of 189.8 tons, at which strain each link elongated not quite one-quarter of an inch. The statutory breaking strain of 265 tons was next applied, and the links were further elongated about three-quarters of an inch.

After this an attempt was made to test the sample "to destruction," but the full power of the testing machine at 350 tons failed to accomplish this result; indeed, it is understood the actual tension applied was over 370 tons.

On a careful examination of the links, no sign of fracture or defect of any kind could be found. The strain applied was about ninety per cent. above the admiralty proof strain.

The two main cables for the new Cunarder consists of two lengths, each 165 fathoms, i.e., a total length of 330 fathoms, or 1980 feet, in fifteen-fathom lengths, joined together by twenty-two joining shackles, and with anchor shackles for connecting to the anchors.

The weight of the cable is 122 tons.

Chain that will stretch instead of snap in a sudden strain is necessary for cables.

Sample Links of a Modern Cable.