Noise, Vibration, and Harshness Simulation of a Synchronous Motor with Focus on the Influence of Eccentricity on the Electromagnetic Forces

In the following, a multiphysics simulation approach for the calculation of the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) behavior of a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous machine is presented. Based on a defined operating point, the electromagnetic force densities in the air gap between the rotor and stator are determined on the basis of the flowing currents using the finite element method (FEM). In addition to the electromagnetic force densities, the structural modes with natural frequency and natural mode shapes are also determined by modal analysis. The electromagnetic forces and structural modes can then be reduced to the most important contributions in the modal space to significantly reduce the computation time. Using a frequency-dependent damping model, a full motor run-up is simulated and the resulting velocities at the surface of the machine are evaluated. The simulation results are then compared with a measurement and validated. The extent to which this modeling approach is also applicable to the consideration of eccentricities (static and dynamic) of the rotor is also discussed.