Optimal segmented rotor design for the embedded electrical machine for the more electric aircraft

Abstract

This study presents the design and analysis of the segmented rotor design for an electrical machine embedded onto the more electric aircraft gas turbine engine shaft. The high-speed operational environment imposes high stress levels due to centrifugal forces; thus, the feasibility of this segmented rotor topology for such application is explored and a suitable design is proposed to overcome mechanical stresses. Finite element structural analysis was performed to compare the mechanical behaviour of a different rotor segment fixing structure and the proposed design. Also, electromagnetic analysis is carried out on a high-speed switched reluctance machine to study the impact of a new design on machine electromagnetic performance.

Keywords

• reluctance machines
• shafts
• gas turbines
• aerospace engines
• rotors
• finite element analysis
• segmented rotor topology
• suitable design
• finite element structural analysis
• mechanical behaviour
• different rotor segment
• electromagnetic analysis
• reluctance machine
• machine electromagnetic performance
• embedded electrical machine
• segmented rotor design
• electric aircraft gas turbine engine shaft
• high-speed operational environment
• high stress levels
• centrifugal forces