study of the effect of the number of flux-barrier layers on von-mises stress distribution in the rotor core of a synchronous reluctance motor

Due to several blank spaces inside the rotor core of a synchronous reluctance motor (synrm), it experiences significant stresses and deformations. in the case of improper design, extreme deformations can cause contact between the rotor and stator which impedes the safe operation or even permanent failure of the motor. this paper aims to provide some mechanical design guidelines for the rotor structural analysis of the case study synrms. several rotor cores considering a different number of flux-barrier layers with and without radial ribs have been analyzed. stresses of all case-study rotor cores have been calculated through the finite element analysis (fea). the paper concludes by proposing a design procedure for a modified rotor core. in the modified design the aim is to have a good trade-off between the electrical and mechanical performances of the rotor core.