Work

Effect of current discharges across MTM and MPR tribological contacts with negatively charged MTM ball and MPR roller

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Stray currents in wind turbines have been associated with the premature failure of bearings through lubricant degradation and wear mechanisms. Tribological contacts under electrical current flow can be described as electrolytic cells, where the interacting bodies act as cathode and anode. This study investigated how cathodic polarity and current densities in tribological contacts impact tribofilm formation and wear mechanisms. Applied voltages higher than the dielectric strength of the oil enabled current flow across the tribological contact. The tribofilm predominately formed on the anode which attracted dissociated anions from additives and increased with current density, while the cathode remained unprotected. The damage on the cathode took the form of micro-pitting, wavelets and at low current densities, sub-surface WECs surrounded by WEAs.

Source: Tribology International

DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2025.110776

Authors: G. Cernalevschi, M. Ratoi, B.G. Mellor, Y. Cai

Institution: University of Southampton

Language: English

Topic: Lubricants and Their Additives

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,390