Mechanical validation of high power density external cantilevered rotor

Abstract

High specific power electric machines are crucial to enabling electric aircraft. In order to meet this need, a high specific power electric machine with an unconventional topology is being developed. The topology creates mechanical challenges including expansion due to high speed, and thin radial builds that affect rotordynamics. These challenges have been addressed in the analytical design and a hardware prototype has been validated through testing. Through these analysis and tests it has been determined that this high specific power electric machine will not fly apart.