Finite element analysis of electromagnetic and mechanical effects of rotor faults in induction motors

Abstract

This paper analyzes the consequences of the eccentricity and one broken bar faults in the squirrel-cage induction motors related the rotor speed time variation of the radial unbalanced force on the rotor armature, supported by the motor bearings. This study is based on finite element models, which allows analyzing the independent or the combined influence of each fault through the specific signature of faults in the magnetic field outside the motor. The detection of the incipient faults based on these signatures is suggested in order to anticipate the driving system shutdown.