3D Solution of a Hybrid Stepper Motor Using Finite Elements

Many electromagnetic devices have a predominantly two-dimensional structure and hence are amenable to analysis by commercially available computer aided design codes. These are usually based on a finite element or integral method. The hybrid stepper, however, is a truly three-dimensional geometry and presents difficulties if attempts are made to analyze the device with purely two-dimensional tools. However, due to the lack of effective three-dimensional methods, many ingenious two-dimensional approximations have been proposed. Most of these simplifications are based on the experience of the designer together with equivalent circuit approximations. Often these approximations can provide insight into the behaviour of the device but it is difficult to determine the real effects of the approximations.

Recently, the increase in performance of computers, coupled with development in the analysis of electromagnetic devices, has lead to systems which can provide a complete three-dimensional solution. The objective of this paper is to analyze a hybrid stepper motor using a three-dimensional finite element analysis tool and to discuss various aspects of the modeling and solution. Results for the torque and field distributions are computed.

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3D Solution of a Hybrid Stepper Motor Using Finite Elements