Polyphase induction motor performance computed directly by finite elements

Finite element analysis is used to directly compute the torques and currents of an induction motor, without the need for any equivalent circuit. The AC voltages are applied by means of 0-D and 1-D finite elements, and the fields and related parameters are computed by nonlinear transient FEA with adaptive time stepping. Equations are derived that allow balanced polyphase motors to be analyzed at any speed without rotating the rotor finite elements. Computed torques and currents of a typical polyphase motor with closed rotor bars are shown to agree quite well with measurements