Three-phase squirrel-cage induction motor modal analyses. Theoretical and experimental aspects

The vibrations developed during the work represent one of the main mechanical problems of the electric motors. Their frequencies and levels can cause large damages of different electrical motors parts. This is the reason why even in the design phase it is useful to be known the values of the natural frequencies of the parts. This can be made in two different ways: using modern capabilities of finite element method (FEM) or doing experimental modal analysis. The study developed in the present paper refers to the modal analysis of a three-phase squirrel cage induction of 1.5 kW, for both, for its elements and, for motor and the electric motor as an assembly. The FEM modal analysis was applied using ABAQUS software for assembly of the 7 elements of the motor. The 3D model was developed, mechanical connections being of screw type. The theoretical model was validated by experiments, with impact hammer test method. The validation confirms the assumptions made for the 3D model and the designed model can be use, as example, for other FEM based modal analysis. The natural frequencies obtained both by FEM and experimental method does not overlap on the working frequencies.