Soft Magnetic Composite (or SMC) is a material consisting of individually insulated iron particles. They can be pressed together to form components. These components are capable of transmitting and suppressing flux in three dimensions. In this way, it is possible to build machines that have a 3D flux path.
As the particles are so small, SMC is a material known for its low iron losses, especially at high electrical frequencies.
We are the only UK university to work directly with suppliers of Soft Magnetic Composites, as we have done for almost 20 years. We have demonstrated SMC machines belonging to transverse flux, axial and linear machine topologies.
For example, the Yokeless and Segmented Armature – the YASA machine – is easily fabricated from SMC. The soft magnetic composite material carries the flux in its non-planar path. It does this without incurring excessive losses. It does not need an impractical lamination design that is difficult to manufacture. We have done work on the design, build and thermal aspects of the YASA machine.
