Mechanical Validation of a High Power Density External Cantilevered Rotor

Abstract

High specific power electric machines are crucial to enable electric and hybrid-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. Similarly, the design creates thermal challenges, one of which is difficulty in estimating the windage losses because of the high speed and large diameter. These challenges have been addressed through 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 or burn up under the expected operating conditions.