In this article, a nonlinear semianalytical model (SAM) is presented to predict the magnetic field distribution (MFD) and electromagnetic performances (EPs) in the cubic spoke-type permanent magnet (PM) machine. To model the rectangular PMs, the rectangular PM is simplified as a combination of fan-shaped regions with different arc angles. Then, the MFD and EPs of the cubic spoke-type machines can be obtained by the harmonic modeling technique. Particularly, the saturation of the magnetic bridges is considered by the nonlinear iterative algorithm. The proposed nonlinear SAM is studied on a 12-slot/8-pole cubic PM prototype, and the nonlinear finite element model and experiment verify its correctness. The main contribution of this article is to present a general analytical modeling method for cubic spoke-type PM machines and consider the magnetic saturation of magnetic bridges.@en

In this article, we propose a novel nonlinear semianalytical model (AM) for the magnetic field calculation of electric machines. The nonlinear properties and local saturation effect of the iron part are taken into consideration in Cartesian coordinates, which is the main contribution of the proposed model. Thus, high accuracy of electromagnetic field results can be obtained with the low computational time cost. The model is developed based on the harmonic modeling technique by solving Maxwell's equations. The detailed theoretical derivations, which use the complex Fourier series and the Cauchy product, are presented. To verify the proposed model, an axial flux permanent-magnet (PM) machine is selected to be investigated. Both finite-element model and experimental results agree well with that of the proposed model. Moreover, the nonlinear AM has potential application for other types of PM electrical motor in Cartesian coordinates, such as flat PM linear machines.@en