Calculation of centrifugal stress in four-pole switched-reluctance rotors

An investigation of the stress distribution in a four-pole switched reluctance rotor operating at high speed is presented. Two-dimensional finite element analysis is employed over a wide range of rotor geometries and a series of generalised design guidelines are established to facilitate the rapid calculation of the peak rotor stress. The radial expansion and moment of inertia of the rotor are also calculated.