Best Practice for Modeling and Simulation of Linear Induction Motors

Linear induction motors (LIMs) are presently considered as an interesting and promising solution for future transportation systems, motion control applications, linear automation systems, etc. Contrary to their rotational counterparts, simulation based design and optimization of LIMs is still an open research subject due to their specific geometrical- and electromagnetic features. This paper presents 1-D analytical- and 2-D/3-D Finite-Element-Method-based numerical modeling and simulation of LIMs. To demonstrate different levels of accuracy associated with different levels of modeling complexity, a testing LIM has been developed, manufactured, and measured. A special attention in this study is paid to LIM-specific geometrical- and electromagnetic features and their influence on the LIM characteristics.