NEIEP Mechanics Practice Exam

The lay of wire rope where the strand wires are aligned with the rope axis is known as the Regular Lay. In this configuration, the wires within the strands of the rope twist in one direction while the strands themselves twist in the opposite direction. This alignment allows the strands to better align with the primary axis of the rope, which can enhance the overall torque balance and improve its handling characteristics during use.

Regular Lay provides a certain degree of flexibility and strength, making it preferable for many applications where the rope undergoes bending and flexing. This design helps in reducing the risk of kinking or twisting when the rope is in operation.

The other types of lays, such as Lang Lay, have the strands oriented in a way that increases surface contact and can offer other benefits, but in Lang Lay, the wires are laid in the same direction as the rope's axis, which differs from the definition provided in the question. Twisted Lay and Spiral Lay do not conform to the specific alignment of wire strands relative to the rope axis, further distinguishing Regular Lay as the correct answer.