ANALYSIS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DISK-ROTOR INDUCTION MOTOR

The induction motor with an axial air gap and a flat homogeneous disk-rotor shows some performance characteristics that are superior to conventional induction machines. Large rotational speeds and small moments of inertia promise high power densities and small mechanical time constants. This paper presents an analytical model which includes the two-dimensional current distribution in the secondary, thus extending a previous simplified treatment. The model also accounts for fringing phenomena and can handle a secondary with a radius-dependent thickness and conductivity. Numerical results for the local distributions of field, current density, and forces; a typical torque-speed characteristic; a current locus; and an equivalent circuit are presented and serve as a basis for discussion and comparison.