Repair 7

What Are the Causes of Torque Ripple in Induction Motors

An induction motor works on the principle that a current is created in a coil through which a magnet (magnetic field) is moved. The current is then able to drive a motor.

Problems with Torque Ripple

In applications like actuator motors for power steering in your car, torque pulsations or ripples can affect the power in the steering mechanisms or cause unwanted noise that bothers the driver. This ripple or pulsation must be dealt with in the induction actuator motor.

Causes of Torque Ripple

This torque ripple is caused as the magnetic field in the induction motor changes direction and consequently the current in the coil also reverses polarity. This problem has also been prevalent in brushless electric motors.

Research into Torque Ripple

Places like the University of Ohio are working on ways to eliminate or minimize torque ripple in induction and electric motors. Researchers feel that the torque ripple is basically a design problem and that it can be reduced or totally eliminated by creating the correct design geometry on the motor.