Project Abstract
Wire fencing is a common feature of the New Zealand landscape, being extensively used to keep livestock within fields. It is also a relatively old product, having been around in much the same form for about a century. However, there is surprisingly little research into the product. This has become problematic, as the modern machines for manufacturing knitted fences are sophisticated machines in their own right. In this project we are interested in what wire characteristics are best suited to this production process. This involves examining the metallurgical properties and testing methods. We are particularly interested in finding the determinants of wire quality in this process environment. We have developed a novel test for this. We have also been working out just what happens to fences when animals charge into them, and whether or not fences relax after erection. The work has implications for those practitioners invovled in manufacuring wire fences, and users of the products.
Published papers:
(1) Wire
