What is the function of the stud link anchor chain?

Stud link anchor chain is a steel chain connecting the hull and the anchor. The main functions of the anchor chain are: connecting the anchor and the ship, transmitting the anchor's holding force to the hull; when anchoring, the thrown anchor chain has a certain weight, which can buffer the wind and other external forces on the ship in the water; the anchor chain lying flat on the bottom of the water keeps the force on the anchor horizontal, which is conducive to the reliable grip of the anchor. At the same time, this part of the anchor chain can also provide a part of the anchoring force due to the obstruction of the soil.

According to the structure of the chain link, anchor chain can be divided into two types: stud chain and studless chain. The chain link of stud chain is equipped with crosspieces. When the size and material are the same, the strength of stud chain is greater than that of studless chain, the deformation is small, and it is not easy to twist when stacked. It is widely used by modern large and medium-sized ships. The chain link of studless chain has no crosspieces and is only used for small ships. The specification stipulates that when the diameter of the anchor chain equipped as required does not exceed 17mm, it can be replaced by studless chain with equal test load, or wire rope or fiber rope with equal breaking load.

For the stud link anchor chain to work, the most basic condition is that it is hooked on something on the seabed. If the anchor chain is not long enough, the anchor will not work. If the seabed is flat, or the object hooked by the anchor is not fixed, or the hook is not strong enough, it is OK if the sea is calm. Once the waves are too big, the anchor cannot hook anything, and the anchor will lose its function. This is called "anchor dragging". It is very dangerous for the ship to drag the anchor during the anchoring period, because the main engine of the ship is generally stopped when the ship is anchored. If you start the ship immediately, it will take time. It is very dangerous for a ship without power to drift around. Therefore, there is the concept of anchorage. Anchorage, by implication, means that the seabed is relatively rough, and it must be able to shelter from the wind.

The weight of the stud link anchor chain is negligible for the ship, and the friction will not play a big role. Generally speaking, when the ship is anchored, the anchor chain is straight, which means that the effect of friction can be basically ignored. If you are at the seaside, you will find that there are many small fishing boats, and their anchor chains are thick ropes.

From the ship, the stud link anchor chain is straight, but there is a section underwater that is nearly parallel to the seabed. The anchor provides grip, which is then transmitted to the ship through the anchor chain to resist the influence of external loads such as currents and waves on positioning. The reason why there is a section close to the seabed is to consider the influence of force. Think about it, an anchor with a straight anchor chain will easily break the anchor. However, a section close to the seabed can provide a margin within a certain range.