Multiphysics Simulation Key to Superior Traction Motor Performance - Article

Automobile original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) face the diffi cult challenge of designing a new generation of traction motors — which play a critical role in hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and electric vehicle design — by transforming electrical energy into physical energy used to turn the wheels of the vehicle. The effi ciency with which traction motors can perform this conversion is critical because of its impact on the range and battery life of the vehicle. Another design challenge is the need to minimize rare earth metal content, since these materials are increasingly in short supply.