Cobham Technical Services Launches 3D Advanced Machines Environment

By DE Editors

Cobham Technical Services is launching a 3D version of its rapid electromagnetic design tool for rotating electrical machines. The Advanced Machines Environment combines finite-element analysis (FEA) simulation with a design entry system that creates 3D models of electric motors or generators.  The software is an application-specific toolbox of the Opera electromagnetic simulator.

FEA techniques allow users to simulate design concepts, but it can take many hours to build a 3D model of a complex product such as a motor.  The 3D Advanced Machines Environment provides a front-end to the electromagnetic simulator that is intended to speed design entry by means of “fill in the blanks” dialog boxes.  Users select the form of motor or generator they want to design from a list. By entering a list of parameters to define mechanical geometry, material properties, and electrical data, the 3D models are then automatically created. According to the company, the complete design entry process can easily be performed in less than five minutes.

The 3D Advanced Machines Environment comes with design templates for common rotating machinery including motor types such as AC induction, brushless, permanent magnet and switched reluctance, plus synchronous motors or generators. The new 3D version also introduces support for the fast-growing axial flux electrical machine sector, which employs a geometry that cannot be represented in 2D.  Users can additionally select numerous design variants for different machine types, such as a choice of rotor styles.

For more information, visit Cobham Technical Services.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.