Design optimisation of electromagnetic devices using continuum design sensitivity analysis combined with commercial EM software

The paper deals with two types of optimisation problem: optimised source distribution and the shape optimum design, using continuum design sensitivity analysis (CDSA) in combination with standard electromagnetic (EM) software. Fast convergence and compatibility with existing EM software are the distinctive features of the proposed implementation. To verify the advantages and also to facilitate understanding of the method itself, two design optimisation problems have been tested using both 2D and 3D models: the first is an MRI design problem related to finding an optimum permanent magnet distribution, and the second is a pole shape design problem to reduce the cogging torque in a BLDC.