From state of the ark to state of the art [electric machine design tools]

This paper sets out to give the reader a flavour of the wide range of design tools and methods presently employed by engineers in the machines industry. From guesstimate to 3D numerical analysis, successful companies must utilise a full spectrum of design approaches in order to compete in today's high pressure, short lead time business environment. Each of these methods is brought to bear with the purpose of producing the best compromise between material minimisation, increased output and reduced cost while simultaneously meeting a range of other safety and customer requirements. It is often exposed that software and computer technology will de-skill such jobs as engineering: to the extent that engineers of a very low calibre might be able to carry out the most complex analyses. However, this paper shows that to the contrary, the drive to constantly reduce margins is increasing the level of difficulty associated with design decisions. The new technologies and methods serve to remove the burden of mundane calculation, allowing the designer to forms his talents where they are most useful. That is on the engineering of the problem and interpretation of results.