Tribology Testing for Wind Energy
Tribology testing for wind energy: gear oils, bearing greases, gears and rolling bearings tested for scuffing, micropitting, pitting, wear and fretting.
Typical questions
- Gear oils: scuffing, micropitting and pitting load capacity in FZG tests; see gear testing.
- Bearing lubricants and greases: FE8 and FE9 rolling bearing tests; see bearing testing.
- Fretting: fretting wear protection of greases in oscillating contacts; see bearing testing.
- Oil condition: ageing, water, wear metals and contamination of gear oils in service; see lubricant analysis.
- Damage on gears and bearings: see failure analysis.
Key test standards for wind energy
These are the methods most often used in this field. Where no standard fits your application, we propose a test closer to your operating conditions. Search all standards in our test standards finder.
Selected methods
| Standard | Test | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 14635-1 | FZG scuffing test | Scuffing load capacity of gear oils |
| FVA 54/7 | FZG micropitting test | Micropitting load capacity of gear lubricants |
| DIN 51819 | FE8 rolling bearing test | Wear of rolling elements and cage, and friction |
| DIN 51821 | FE9 rolling bearing grease test | Grease service life (F50) at a chosen temperature |
| ASTM D4170 | Fafnir fretting wear test | Fretting wear protection of greases in oscillating thrust ball bearings |
| ASTM D7594 | SRV fretting wear test of greases | Fretting wear resistance at high Hertzian pressure |
One contact, the whole European network
i-TRIBOMAT is the single entry point to more than 130 tribometers and more than 250 experts across Europe. You do not need to find, compare and coordinate several laboratories: we do it for you.
- One contact and one offer for the whole programme
- Independent choice of setup: we match your application to the right test, not to the equipment we happen to own
- One consistent report and, on request, your results in your own online database (see Data-Driven Services)
- Confidentiality covered by a single agreement
Frequently asked questions
Can you test gear oils for micropitting?
Yes, with the FZG micropitting test FVA 54/7, and with customised tests closer to your gearbox conditions.
Can you analyse a damaged gear or bearing?
Yes. We combine inspection, surface and materials analysis and lubricant analysis to find the root cause.
How do I start?
Send us a short description of your component or product, the operating conditions and the question you want answered. We reply with a test proposal and an offer.
Or write to office@i-tribomat.eu. See also all industries.