Load models for tapered roller bearings and influence of system deformation – taking the main bearing system of wind turbines as an example

Abstract. Firstly, a tapered roller bearing (TRB) raceway contact load model is developed based on the rigid assumption of the bearing system, taking a wind turbine TRB+TRB main bearing system as an example. Then, a simplified TRB FEA modeled is presented considering the deformation of the bearing system. The FEA model makes the simulation of complex bearing system more feasible and efficient, avoiding the challenges of meshing and convergence in rollers and raceway contact modeling. A two-step method is proposed to take difference of outer and inner raceway contact angles into consideration. The FEA modeled is validated by comparing its results with those of a solid elements roller model. Subsequently, the FEA model is used to simulate the wind turbine TRB+TRB main bearing system, and results of FEA model and rigid model are compared to demonstrate the influence of the bearing system deformation. The results shows the bearing system deformation has an obvious influence on TRB raceway load distribution and roller profile modification, and the developed models are efficient to assess the influence.