Wind turbine main-bearing lubrication – Part 1: An introductory review of elastohydrodynamic lubrication theory

Abstract. This paper is the first in a two-part study on lubrication wind turbine main bearings. Elastohydrodynamic complex field, formulas and results from which should not be applied blindly, but with proper awareness consideration of their context, validity limitations any given case. The current paper, “Part 1”, therefore presents an introductory review elastohydrodynamic theory order to provide this necessary background context accessible form, promoting cross-disciplinary understanding. Fundamental concepts, derivations are presented, followed by more advanced topics starvation, non-steady effects, surface roughness interactions grease lubrication. 2” applies presented material analyse main-bearing available film thickness related theory. Aside main-bearing, here also applicable other lubricated non-conformal contacts turbines, including pitch yaw bearings gear teeth.