Abstract
The finite element method is very flexible for new shapes and provides flux distribution, magnetomotive force, eddy currents, and torques. However, it requires lengthy computational time in order to achieve desired accuracy. The magnetic equivalent circuit method takes less computation time than the finite element method. Therefore, the finite element method is mainly used to confirm the completed design. The magnetic equivalent circuit method is convenient for complicated analysis of the transient state of the induction motor. The magnetic equivalent circuit method is restricted to only one direction of magnetic flux. In this paper, the construction elements (that is, stator iron, rotor iron, yoke, air gap, etc.) of the squirrel cage induction motor were represented by a flux tube and the air gap magnetomotive force was calculated by the magnetic equivalent circuit method. Starting transient torque and phase current of the squirrel cage induction motor were verified by the theoretical calculation and the experiment.