Busch 2006, Abschnitt 8.4.3.3, Gl. (8.65) Kloßsche Näherungsgleichung

Induction motor torque ratio (Kloss equation)

The Kloss equation describes an induction motor's torque-slip curve solely from the ratio of slip to breakdown slip, without equivalent-circuit data.

MINTSI
01

Inputs

Ratio of torque at the considered slip to breakdown torque; reaches its maximum of 1 at s=sk.

Motor operating slip at the considered point.

Slip at which the motor develops its maximum (breakdown) torque.

02

Result

Select a target and calculate.

Calculation

M/Mk = 2 / (s/sk + sk/s)

The Kloss equation describes an induction motor's torque-slip curve solely from the ratio of slip to breakdown slip, without equivalent-circuit data.

Understand the inputs
  • Torque ratio M/MkRatio of torque at the considered slip to breakdown torque; reaches its maximum of 1 at s=sk.
  • Slip sMotor operating slip at the considered point.
  • Breakdown slip skSlip at which the motor develops its maximum (breakdown) torque.
Example

s=0.04 and sk=0.2 give M/Mk=2/(0.2+5)=0.385.

Assumptions and limits

Simplified equivalent circuit neglecting stator resistance (valid mainly for larger machines); saturation, current displacement and starting transients are excluded.

Technical article

Understand Induction motor torque ratio (Kloss equation)

This calculator determines the ratio of torque to breakdown torque of an induction motor at any slip, without requiring equivalent-circuit values.

What does this quantity describe?

The Kloss approximation describes the torque-slip curve solely via the ratio of operating slip s to breakdown slip sk: M/Mk=2/(s/sk+sk/s). At s=sk, the maximum M/Mk=1 is reached.

Formula and variables

M/Mk = 2 / (s/sk + sk/s)

  • M/Mk = 2/(s/sk + sk/s)
Symbol / inputMeaning
Torque ratio M/MkRatio of torque at the considered slip to breakdown torque; reaches its maximum of 1 at s=sk.
Slip sMotor operating slip at the considered point.
Breakdown slip skSlip at which the motor develops its maximum (breakdown) torque.

Choose the inputs correctly

s is the operating slip at the considered point, sk the breakdown slip at which the motor develops its maximum torque.

How to use the calculator

Determine s from speed measurement and synchronous speed ((ns−n)/ns); derive sk from a datasheet or from the ratio of breakdown to rated torque.

Worked example

s=0.04 and sk=0.2 give M/Mk=2/(0.2+5)=0.385.

Understand the result and units

For s≪sk the curve is approximately linear (stable operating region); for s≫sk torque falls again.

s and sk are dimensionless slip values between 0 and 1. M/Mk is dimensionless.

Useful next calculation

For synchronous speed and slip from frequency and pole-pair count, see induction motor slip.

Typical applications

Estimating induction motor torque at any operating point without a full equivalent circuit, and teaching the shape of the torque-slip curve.

Assumptions, limits and common mistakes

Simplified equivalent circuit neglecting stator resistance, valid mainly for larger machines; saturation, rotor current displacement and starting transients are excluded.

Common mistake: Do not confuse sk with rated slip; breakdown slip is well above normal operating slip.

Frequently asked questions

What is “Induction motor torque ratio (Kloss equation)” used for?

Estimating induction motor torque at any operating point without a full equivalent circuit, and teaching the shape of the torque-slip curve.

Where do the input values come from?

s is the operating slip at the considered point, sk the breakdown slip at which the motor develops its maximum torque.

What does the result not cover?

Simplified equivalent circuit neglecting stator resistance, valid mainly for larger machines; saturation, rotor current displacement and starting transients are excluded.

Sources, method and review

  • Rudolf Busch, Elektrotechnik und Elektronik für Maschinenbauer, 4. Auflage 2006, Abschnitt 8.4.3.3, Gl. (8.65) (lokale Kapitel-PDF)
  • Kloßsche Gleichung – Wikipedia

Our method, source hierarchy and automated checks are documented on the methodology page. Read the methodology

Responsible
NormCalc-Redaktion
Last updated
2026-09-17