Optimisation of finite element aided design of electromagnetic devices

An automated system integrating a commercially available finite element analysis (FEA) package with the optimization algorithm has been developed and is used to produce a near optimum solution at a relatively short time. A detailed review of genetic algorithms is carried out. The genetic algorithm has been employed to optimise two electromagnetic devices. The first problem involves the shape optimisation of a three variable axisymmetric actuator. The second problem is a more complex shape optimization problem of a DC brushless motor involving six variables.