Multi-material topology optimization assisted by Laplace network for IPMSM

Purpose This study aims to address tedious filtering procedure and enhance manufacturability of the optimized structure for interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM), this paper presents a multi-material topology optimization method based on the Laplace network and adaptive mesh sequence cleaning algorithm (LAMSC). Design/methodology/approach The multi-material topology optimization mentions four different materials including iron core, permanent magnet with two different magnetizing directions and air. In the proposed LAMSC method, the adaptive mesh sequence cleaning algorithm enhances rotor manufacturability by eliminating micro-regions within the given design domain. The weights of the Laplace function are selected as design variables, the torque performance of IPMSM and the volume of permanent magnet are optimized as objectives of optimization process. Findings Based on the proposed the multi-material topology optimization method LAMSC, it is evident that compared with traditional structures, the proportion of permanent magnet volume in the optimized rotor decreases by 0.50%, 2.44%, 4.61%, 4.80% and 5.58% when the mesh densities are 90, 900, 1,440, 1,500 and 1,728, respectively. Furthermore, the average torque increases by 9.06%, 9.22%, 12.81%, 11.88% and 10.78%, respectively. Originality/value A multi-material topology optimization method based on the LAMSC is proposed to enhance the manufacturability of IPMSM optimization results, which may provide more flexible technical support for the reshaping of motor structures.