Very frustrating to see yet another thread where not even one source is linked to.
I will try to save the thread with some quotes take from two difference sources I'll link to. Hopefully we can continue a scientific discussion after that.
"Several types of noose are in use worldwide. At its simplest, a noose is just a slip knot fashioned on a length of rope or strong cord. Nazi executioners used this pattern during World War II, typically made from 6-10 mm thick cord."
"The traditional hangman's noose has from 5 to 13 coils which slide down the rope delivering a heavy blow to the side of the neck. This pattern was used in America and countries such as Iran and Iraq."
"The modern American coiled noose is prepared in accordance with a procedure laid down in a U.S. army manual, from 30 feet of 3/4"-1" diameter manila hemp rope, boiled to take out stretch and any tendency to coil. It is formed into six coils and then waxed, soaped or greased to assure that the knot slides easily."
"Brain and most Commonwealth and ex-Commonwealth countries use(d) a simple noose consisting of a loop worked into one end of the rope with the other end passed through it. In the 20th century the eyelet was typically placed below the angle of the jaw, (the submental position). The noose was later improved in the 1870's by William Marwood. He used a brass eyelet inside of the loop to allow the rope to run more freely and to avoid the need for lubrication with soap. The eyelet was initially held in place by a leather washer and later by a rubber one. This type of noose has been shown to cause a quicker death. It is usually made from a 13 foot length of 3/4" diameter hemp rope. Later, the part of the rope that would come into contact with neck was bound with leather.""
"Modern materials such as Nylon have been tried but tended to be too elastic for long drop hangings."
"The rope, which could be 3/4-inch to 1-1/4-inch in diameter, must be boiled and stretched to eliminate spring or coiling. The knot should be lubricated with wax or soap "to ensure a smooth sliding action" according to the 1969 U.S. Army manual."
"the noose is placed around the neck, with the knot behind the left ear."
"Done correctly, the method is designed to have the condemned person's neck be broken after the body has fallen a prescribed distance and is brought up short with a sharp jerk of the rope."
Sources:
abcnews.go.com