Energies, Vol. 18, Pages 6274: Design, Optimization, and Validation of a Dual Three-Phase YASA Axial Flux Machine with SMC Stator for Aerospace Electromechanical Actuators

Energies, Vol. 18, Pages 6274: Design, Optimization, and Validation of a Dual Three-Phase YASA Axial Flux Machine with SMC Stator for Aerospace Electromechanical Actuators

Energies doi: 10.3390/en18236274

Authors:
Mehmet C. Kulan
Farshid Mahmouditabar
Abdulrahman A. M. Alharbi
Bortecene Yildirim
Nick J. Baker

This paper presents the design, optimization, and validation of a dual three-phase yokeless and segmented armature (YASA) axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) machine for aerospace actuators. The proposed 12-slot, 10-pole topology employs segmented soft magnetic composite (SMC) stator teeth integrated into an additively manufactured aluminium holder, combining modularity, weight reduction, and improved thermal conduction. A multi-objective optimization process based on 3D finite element analysis (FEA) was applied to balance torque capability and losses. The manufacturable design achieved a peak torque of 28.3 Nm at 1400 rpm and a peak output power of 3.5 kW with an efficiency of 81.6%, while limiting short-circuit currents to 14 Arms. Transient structural simulations revealed that three-phase short circuits induce unbalanced axial forces, exciting rotor wobbling—a phenomenon not previously reported for YASA machines. A prototype was fabricated and tested, with static torque measurements deviating by 8.6% from FEA predictions. By contrast, line-to-line back-EMF and generator-mode power output exhibited larger discrepancies (up to 20%), attributed to the frequency-dependent permeability and localized eddy currents of the SMC stator material introduced during EDM machining. These results demonstrate both the feasibility and the limitations of YASA AFPM machines for aerospace applications.