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A High Fidelity Finite Element and Contact Analysis Investigation of Stresses and Motions of a Wind Turbine Gearbox

Thaler, Aaron Paul
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1307738087

Abstract Details

2011, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Mechanical Engineering.
In this study, a high fidelity finite element model of a wind turbine gearbox is constructed in an advanced gear analysis program. The 3-dimensional fully elastic model is used to analyze motions and stresses occurring in a typical modern wind turbine gearbox. The model is validated using simple loading conditions by looking at shaft deflection and bearing stiffnesses. Analysis results are compared with experimental data provided by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Main shaft bending strain for multiple load levels is used to understand the effect of non-torque loads on the gearbox. Load distribution of the ring gear is evaluated experimentally by placing strain gages in the root of the gear tooth and compared with predictions from the finite element model. Since micro-pitting of the gears and bearings is a major failure mode of wind turbine gearboxes, the contact stresses and load distributions of the planetary gears and planet bearings are studied to understand the component’s resistance to micro-pitting. These results seek to provide insight into possible ways to improve the life and reliability in the current wind turbine gearbox design.
Donald Houser, PhD (Advisor)
Sandeep Vijayakar, PhD (Committee Member)
145 p.
Engineering; Mechanical Engineering
Wind Turbine; Gearbox; Finite Element; Contact Analysis;

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Thaler, A. P. (2011). A High Fidelity Finite Element and Contact Analysis Investigation of Stresses and Motions of a Wind Turbine Gearbox [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1307738087

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Thaler, Aaron. A High Fidelity Finite Element and Contact Analysis Investigation of Stresses and Motions of a Wind Turbine Gearbox. 2011. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1307738087.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Thaler, Aaron. "A High Fidelity Finite Element and Contact Analysis Investigation of Stresses and Motions of a Wind Turbine Gearbox." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1307738087

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1307738087
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© 2011, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.