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In this article, it is shown that in a linear induction machine (LIM), the force ripple that arises due to the magnetic asymmetry does not depend on whether the LIM is being fed from a voltage source or a current source. When the LIM is fed from a three-phase balanced voltage source, the primary voltage is balanced but the LIM draws an unbalanced current from the supply. When the LIM is fed from a three-phase balanced current source, the primary current is balanced but an unbalanced voltage appears across the LIM terminals. In both these cases, the unbalance creates a ripple in the propulsive force of the LIM. This force ripple increases with the increase in the speed of the LIM. This article shows that at any given speed, the percentage of the ripple component in the propulsive force remains constant irrespective of all operating conditions. The variation of the force ripple with the speed can be represented by a curve, which is unique for one LIM. This curve neither depends on the value of the primary voltage or primary current, nor does it depend on the nature of the energy source from which the LIM is being supplied. The force ripple arises from the flux distortion due to end effects and can, therefore, be instrumental in estimating the amount of end effects existing in an LIM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]