Structural Topology Optimization of Electrical Machinery to Maximize Stiffness With Body Force Distribution

This paper presents structural topology optimization applied to the coupled magneto-structural problem. The design goals are to minimize mechanical compliance and to maximize total magnetic force. To calculate the compliance and magnetic force, coupled magneto-structural analysis is performed using the finite-element method. From the solution of a magnetostatic analysis, distribution of the magnetic body force is obtained using the virtual air gap scheme. The structural analysis from the calculated force distribution then provides the mechanical compliance. The design sensitivity analysis for the optimization is performed using the adjoint method, and the derived sensitivity is verified by comparing it with the finite difference sensitivity. The optimization problem is formulated and solved using the sequential linear programming (SLP) method. To show the validity of the proposed analysis and optimization approach, design of the solenoid actuator is presented.