Demagnetization Simulations of High-Power Electric Motors for Reliable Electric Aircrafts

Abstract

Aerospace industry is undergoing a transformation to utilize alternative forms of propulsion including hybrid or fully electric propulsion. Multiphysics simulations are critical in reducing development cost and increasing reliability and safety of electric powertrains. In this study, a Multiphysics modeling methodology is developed and demonstrated on a permanent magnet electric motor. The motor design inspired by an automotive traction motor is modified with cooling mechanisms applicable to aircraft powertrains. A detailed electromagnetic model of the motor provides electro-mechanical metrics such as torque as well as heat losses to be utilized in a thermal CFD model. A conjugate heat transfer CFD model predicts temperature and flow distributions. A bi-directional coupling methodology between the magnetic and CFD solvers is developed that 1) increases fidelity of the Multiphysics model and 2) enables engineers to predict magnet demagnetization, both influencing reliability of electric motor designs for electric aircrafts.