Multiscale modeling of textured lubricated contacts and the use of different materials/surface coatings in sliding bearings: applications in wind turbines

• Grant number: 24/07974-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: June 01, 2024
• End date: May 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Francisco José Profito
• Grantee: João Carlos Fernandes de Queiróz
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/03110-0 - Tribological analyses and solutions for high-performance sliding bearings: wind turbine applications, AP.PNGP.PI

Abstract

The present research project aims to develop multiscale models for lubrication and investigate the potential application of featured surfaces and coatings to improve the tribological performance of sliding bearings for wind turbines. Multiscale models can provide higher computational efficiency for simulating textured surfaces due to the unnecessary deterministic consideration of the microtexture geometries. The developed multiscale models will be implemented in a sliding bearings simulation platform developed by the research group on other fronts. This will enable the exploration of promising texture configurations to enhance the efficiency, durability, and surface integrity of sliding bearings for wind turbines. The project also includes a one-year research internship abroad, during which the student will work with experts in the field to elaborate further on the theoretical framework of the proposed multiscale models and investigate promising texture patterns and surface coatings. The results of the research will be disseminated in conferences and scientific articles. They could also potentially lead to the development of new high-performance, durable, and reliable sliding bearing technologies for wind turbine applications. (AU)