Development of a full parameterized FE-modeling tool for efficient vibration investigations on end windings of Turbo- and Hydro- generators

End windings of generators are excited to vibrations due to electromagnetic forces which can cause severe damage and noise. To avoid this, it is important to predict the natural frequencies and modes of the end windings with finite elements. Due to the complex structure and unknown boundary conditions, the conventionally calculation of stator end windings has been very difficult and time consuming up to now. This paper describes the development of a full parameterized modeling tool, which allows a quick calculation of natural frequencies during the design phase of the generator. To keep the computing time low, it is important to find a way to get exact calculation results without detailed modeling of all parts. Additionally, special attention was paid to the active part, which has been replaced by spring-damper elements, and the determination of their stiffness via experimental modal analysis combined with finite element calculations.