Stochastic Modelling for Lubrication - Applications in Sliding Bearings for Wind Turbines

• Grant number: 24/18645-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Francisco José Profito
• Grantee: Leonardo Medeiros Xavier
• 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

With the aim of analysing the potential application of sliding bearings in wind turbines, the selected candidate will develop stochastic models for lubrication that account for the influence of uncertainties in design parameters (e.g., geometry), material properties (e.g., lubricant viscosity), and operational conditions (e.g., loads and speeds) on the tribological behaviour of these components under different operating conditions. The discretisation of the stochastic Reynolds equation using the Polynomial Chaos Expansion (PCE) method, as well as the application of nonlinear Kalman filters for parameter estimation in stochastic systems, are two approaches that will be investigated in this work to address uncertainties in the analysis of the studied bearings. The candidate will implement the developed models on the computational platform for the simulation of sliding bearings, which will be developed by other research group members. Subsequently, the candidate will carry out simulations to evaluate the effect of uncertainties in speeds and loads on the performance of sliding bearings for wind turbines. The candidate will also assist in analysing the influence of the synergy between thermal effects, surface texturing, the use of different materials/surface coatings, and the rheology of the lubricant on the tribological performance of these bearings. The results of this work may contribute to the development of new studies of excellence and new technologies of high-performance, reliable, and durable sliding bearings. Furthermore, the work will be disseminated through scientific articles and presentations at conferences.