Compliant-core reluctance machines

Abstract

The paper describes a novel type of electrical machine in which one member deforms under the influence of the magnetic forces acting upon it. The concept is an electromagnetic derivative of the mechanical strain-wave form of gearing used in robot and other critical applications. An initial analysis of one form of the device has been carried out and indicates the potential to develop very high torque with very low rotational inertia and low weight. A small working model has been constructed and tested and successfully demonstarates the feasibility of the device. A larger machine with greater torque capacity has been built and provides a validation of the theory developed in the present paper.