# Study on electromagnetic characteristics of cylindrical hole defect in variable parameter traction motor shaft based on eddy current effect

**Authors:** Mengmeng Song, Tingting Zhu, Shungen Xiao, Mengwei Li, Gentao Lai, Zhenhao Cai, Qing Li, Zhigang Xu

PMC · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0342673 · PLOS One · 2026-02-17

## TL;DR

This paper studies how cylindrical hole defects in locomotive motor shafts affect electromagnetic properties using eddy current testing simulations.

## Contribution

A novel equivalent model for variable-parameter cylindrical hole defect detection using COMSOL simulations and eddy current testing.

## Key findings

- HMII and its phase show significant geometric correspondence for assessing defect bottom diameter.
- Amplitude variations of HMII and VMII can qualitatively determine defect presence and depth.
- PVMII is insensitive to the defect's geometric parameters.

## Abstract

Detecting common cylindrical hole defects (corrosion defects) in locomotive traction motor shafts is essential to ensure equipment reliability and safety. This paper conducts an in-depth study of rotating shafts with a rich magnetic field surrounding them, with the goal of identifying cylindrical hole defects and diagnosing corrosion defects. During eddy current testing, to investigate the influence of variable-parameter (bottom diameter and depth) cylindrical hole defects on the electromagnetic properties of traction motor shafts, an equivalent model of a variable-parameter defect detection system for cylindrical hole defects (corrosion defects) was established using COMSOL software, based on eddy current testing theory, and simulation analysis was performed. By studying the horizontal and vertical magnetic induction intensities(HMII, VMII) and their respective phases(PHMII, PVMII), the magnetic field distribution around the cylindrical hole defect under variable parameters was analyzed. The results show that HMII and its phase have a significant geometric correspondence, allowing for quantitative assessment of the defect bottom diameter through characteristic peak spacing or phase lag width. Simultaneously, the amplitude variations of HMII and VMII can qualitatively determine the presence of defects and evaluate their relative depth (limited by the saturation threshold). Furthermore, PVMII is insensitive to the defect’s geometric parameters.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** depression (MESH:D003866), MF (MESH:D007922), corrosion defect (MESH:D000013), fatigue (MESH:D005221)
- **Chemicals:** EC (-), carbon (MESH:D002244), metal (MESH:D008670), stainless steel (MESH:D013193), copper (MESH:D003300)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

13 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12912609/full.md

## References

27 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12912609/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12912609