Abstract: Using ANSYS finite element analysis software， a numerical simulation study was conducted to investigate the ultimate strength change of suspension chains due to wear under marine environment. Firstly， a finite element model is created to identify critical areas of a suspension chain under tensile load. Subsequently， applying the Archard wear theory， wear volumes are accumulated at 5 levels （1/2/3/4/5 mm） to determine the wear rate at different levels.Finally， the suspension chains breaking force is calculated using a failure criterion. The relationship between allowable breaking force and accumulated use time， accounting for wear， is established through the mapping of wear speed， wear amount， and breaking force. Based on the above numerical simulation method， the ultimate strength assessment and online life prediction of suspension chain under typical working conditions can be realized， which provides some theoretical basis for the prevention of suspension chain failure in advance.

Key words: numerical simulation, wear, ultimate strength, life prediction