A damage mechanics approach for lifetime estimation of wind turbine gearbox materials. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jantara Junior, Valter Luiz; Basoalto, Hector; Papaelias, Mayorkinos
• Is Part Of: International journal of fatigue. Volume 137(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Wind turbine gearbox -- Damage -- Lifetime estimation -- Constitutive model; 74A45 -- 74C10; Materials -- Fatigue -- Periodicals; Materials -- Fatigue; Periodicals; 620.1122
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfatigue.2020.105671
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-1123

Abstract

Highlights: Damage mechanics formulation based on a physics-based dislocation slip model. The formulation was implemented within a finite element scheme. Simulations carried out for a gear pair from a wind turbine gearbox. Simulation of severe service conditions, such as angular misalignment and lack of lubrication. Estimation for the remaining useful lifetime of these service conditions was generated. Abstract: Wind turbine gearboxes (WTG) have been suffering from premature failures and rarely live up to their designed lifetime. This study focuses on a better understanding of WTG failures. A finite element model of a gear pair was coupled with a constitutive model to quantify and predict damage, while also testing for different service conditions. A damage mechanics formulation is presented based on a physics-based dislocation slip model. Additionally, an estimation of the remaining useful lifetime of the component was generated, further assisting wind turbine farm operators to move towards the implementation of a truly predictive maintenance approach.