Two-degree-of-freedom motors are capable of producing linear, rotary, and helical motion, and thus have widespread applications in special industries. In this paper, a new concept-static coupling effect-is studied in the 2-degree-of-freedom direct drive induction motor (2DoFDDIM). The proposed approach is based on the image method and the 3D finite element method. The image method model is established to analyse its reasons and predict the main effects, which are then verified by the proposed 3D finite element static coupling model and experiments. The induced voltages and currents are produced in the static part and induced torque or force is obtained, even though the static part is not energized. It is concluded that the static coupling effect increases with the supply frequency and is influenced by the stator winding configuration. Thus, the existence of the static coupling effect is confirmed, which must be taken into account in future optimization and precise control of the 2DoFDDIM.Index Terms: induction motor, image method, static coupling effect, 3D finite element method, 2-degreeof-freedom.