Analysis of Materials Selection for Wind Turbine Main Bearings
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Analysis of Materials Selection for Wind Turbine Main Bearings

Source: ZYS    Published:2025-07-02    

In wind turbine equipment, the main bearing is one of the key components to ensure the stable operation of the wind turbine. In order to adapt to different working conditions, manufacturers usually use a variety of materials to make these bearings. The following are several common wind turbine main bearing materials and their characteristics:

1. Steel material

Steel is the most popular choice for manufacturing wind turbine main bearings. Commonly used steel grades include 40Cr and GCr15, which are known for their excellent strength and hardness, and can effectively cope with the pressure and vibration during high-speed rotation. In addition, steel is cost-effective and sufficient to meet the application requirements of most wind turbine main bearings.

2. Heat-resistant steel

For bearings that need to work in high-speed and high-temperature environments, heat-resistant steel is an ideal choice. This type of steel has good high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance. Heat-resistant steels such as 9Cr18MoV and H13 are widely used in such working conditions.

3. Reinforced polymers

Compared to traditional metal materials, reinforced polymers are favored due to their light weight, high strength and wear resistance. This material has been used in the design of bearings for small wind turbines. However, the strength and stability of polymer materials require further research and testing.

In summary, various wind turbine main bearing materials have their own advantages. In practical applications, the most suitable material should be selected according to specific environmental conditions and performance requirements.


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