Computation of air-gap field in an axial-flux permanent-magnet machine using the method of images

Abstract

The air gap field of a single-sided, axial-flux permanent-magnet machine (AFPMM) without armature core is computed using the concepts of magnetic charge and the method of images. The method is computationally efficient and yields results that cannot be obtained from the method based on the two-dimensional solution of Laplace's equation. The computed results have been verified by field measurements on an experimental machine.