Why is lubrication important for turbine bearings and reduction gear?

Lubrication is crucial for turbine bearings and reduction gears primarily to reduce friction and wear. In mechanical systems, particularly those involving rotating components like turbines and gears, friction is generated between surfaces in contact. This friction can lead to increased wear, which compromises the effectiveness and lifespan of the components involved. Proper lubrication forms a thin protective film between the surfaces, allowing them to move smoothly against each other with minimal resistance. This significantly decreases friction, which not only enhances the efficiency of the operation but also reduces the rate at which the materials degrade over time.

While maintaining temperature is important, lubrication primarily plays a role in minimizing wear and friction, which subsequently can help control temperature by preventing overheating from excessive friction. Additionally, while lubrication might have effects on load capacity and aerodynamics indirectly, those are not the primary reasons for its essential role in turbine bearings and reduction gears. The main focus remains on reducing friction and wear to ensure the reliability and longevity of the equipment.