Finite Element Analysis of Large-Size Yaw Bearings with Supporting Structure in Wind Turbine

摘要

A procedure for obtaining the load distribution in a four point contact wind turbine yaw bearing considering the effect of the structure's elasticity is presented. The inhomogeneous stiffness of the supporting structures creates a variation in the results obtained with a rigid model. A finite element model substituting the rolling elements with nonlinear compression springs has been built to evaluate the effect of the supporting structure elasticity on the contact forces between the rolling elements and the raceways.