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CABLE STRENGTH AND SUPPORT MEMBERS
Fiber optic cables use strength members to increase the cables' strength and protect
the fiber from strain. Fiber optic cables may use central support members in cable
construction. The central support members generally have buffered fibers or single fiber
sub-cables stranded over their surface in a structured, helical manner. The central
members may support the optical fibers as cable strength members or may only serve as
fillers. Strength and support members must be light and flexible. In commercial
applications, the materials used for strength and support include steel wire and textile
fibers (such as nylon and arimid yarn). They also include carbon fibers, glass fibers, and
glass reinforced plastics. For Navy applications, only non-metallic strength and support
members are allowed.
CABLE JACKET, OR SHEATH, MATERIAL
The jacket, or sheath, material provides extra environmental and mechanical protection.
Jacket materials for Navy cables have the following properties:
It is difficult to produce a material compound that satisfies every requirement without
being too costly. Originally, the production of fire retardant cables included the use of
halogenated polymers and additives. These fire retardant cables were also highly toxic.
Commercial jacket materials currently used include polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
polyurethane, and polyester elastomers. Most commercial jacket materials are unsuitable
for use in Navy applications. Researchers have developed jacket materials that are
suitable for Navy use.
Q.29 List seven properties cable jackets should have.
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