Electromagnetic analysis of a surface-mounted permanent magnet motor

This study investigates the finite element analysis (FEA) of a surface-mounted permanent magnet motor (SMPMM) using QuickField software. The model was developed by solving Maxwell’s equations on meshed SMPMM geometries, integrating real B-H curve data for laminated steel stator and rotor materials to accurately represent the nonlinear behaviour of the SMPMM. The simulation was performed to evaluate the magnetic flux distribution, air-gap flux density, torque, and self-and mutual inductance at an operational speed of 3000 rpm, and compares the simulated outputs with existing experimental results. Under current excitation up to 2 A, the simulated air gap density ranged from 0.7 Tesla (T) at minimum rotor-stator coupling to 1.2 T at peak alignment during an electrical cycle. Peak torque reached 1.8823 N.m at a 0.45 mm air gap, decreasing slightly to 1.8572 N.m at 0.75 mm. Self-inductance declined from 0.8 H to 0.5 H, while mutual inductance declined from 0.049 H to 0.03 H, showing the effect of magnetic saturation. Core and eddy current losses increased nonlinearly at higher speeds and flux densities. The validated results highlight the importance of incorporating nonlinear magnetic properties and velocity-dependent losses in SMPMM design accurate prediction of performance under both nominal and extreme conditions, supporting robust, high-efficiency motor development for industrial, automotive, and renewable energy applications.