A TOPSIS multi-criteria evaluation of greases for wind turbine rolling bearings

A TOPSIS multi-criteria evaluation of greases for wind turbine rolling bearings

Scopus Article

This work focuses on the use of the TOPSIS (technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution) multi-criteria evaluation methodology to assess the performance of greases intended for the main bearings of wind turbines. The goal was to design a testing system that enables a comprehensive evaluation of grease performance across key functional areas. The methodology evaluated four performance aspects: lubricating film formation, oil separation (grease bleeding), wear protection and frictional behaviour. Each test was designed with respect to the operating conditions of the main bearings and was experimentally validated. The results revealed differences in grease performance across the tests and confirmed the influence of varying test conditions. The collected data were analysed using the TOPSIS multi-criteria decision-making method, which enabled the integration of individual test results into a single comparative indicator. The method proved capable of comparing greases while maintaining result stability under varying weightings and input data. The final methodology provides a detailed framework for experimental testing and comprehensive performance evaluation of greases, offering a robust tool for their mutual comparison.

This work focuses on the use of the TOPSIS (technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution) multi-criteria evaluation methodology to assess the performance of greases intended for the main bearings of wind turbines. The goal was to design a testing system that enables a comprehensive evaluation of grease performance across key functional areas. The methodology evaluated four performance aspects: lubricating film formation, oil separation (grease bleeding), wear protection and frictional behaviour. Each test was designed with respect to the operating conditions of the main bearings and was experimentally validated. The results revealed differences in grease performance across the tests and confirmed the influence of varying test conditions. The collected data were analysed using the TOPSIS multi-criteria decision-making method, which enabled the integration of individual test results into a single comparative indicator. The method proved capable of comparing greases while maintaining result stability under varying weightings and input data. The final methodology provides a detailed framework for experimental testing and comprehensive performance evaluation of greases, offering a robust tool for their mutual comparison.

grease lubrication, rolling bearing, multi-criteria evaluation, TOPSIS method

grease lubrication, rolling bearing, multi-criteria evaluation, TOPSIS method

OKÁL, M.; PROCHAZKA, M.; SVOBODA, P.; KŘUPKA, I.; HARTL, M.

2026

23.12.2025

Tribology and Materials

4

4

Republic of Serbia

220

232

13

https://doi.org/10.46793/tribomat.2025.020