Transient characteristics in the starting process play an important role in the design and operation of high-power-density and high-voltage induction motor. A field-circuit coupling model is proposed to analyze the transient fluid flow and temperature rise of a YJKK 500-4 2500 kW HPDHV induction motor in the starting process. The wind resistance network model is built to investigate the transient fluid flow and is used to obtain the heat dissipation boundary condition of the transient temperature calculation. The transient electric current is the key to the heat source of the temperature distribution and is calculated by the dynamic mathematical model. According to the obtained heat dissipation boundary condition and heat source, the 3-D fluid-solid coupling model is solved to obtain the transient temperature distribution. Moreover, the highest temperature rise in the starting process is greatly affected by the load. The simulation results show that the smaller fluid flow and the starting current make the winding temperature rise rapidly before the rotating speed of the motor reaches the rated value. When the load is much heavier, the starting time becomes longer and the winding temperature in the starting process will rise rapidly. The experimental results indicate that the proposed model is validated. INDEX TERMS Induction motor, temperature rise, fluid flow, starting characteristic.