Rotor topologies for a switched-reluctance machine for the ´more-electric´ aircraft engine

The merits of alternative rotor topologies for a switched reluctance machine that is to be embedded within the high-pressure region of a civil aircraft engine are discussed. The constraints imposed by conventional rotor designs due to the limited mechanical strength of the laminations are highlighted by finite element analysis of the stress distribution. A modular rotor structure is proposed which facilitates a significant reduction in the mechanical stress in rotor laminations, and thereby an increase in the diameters. Both two- and three-dimensional finite element analyses are employed to compare the electromagnetic performance of a switched reluctance machine with a modular rotor against two machines having conventional rotors.