Search Results (75)

To optimize the modulated vibration generated by the integer-slot interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM), a stepwise segmented skewed pole method was proposed, using an 8-pole 48-slot IPMSM as an example. First, the vibration characteristics of the motor were studied, and the theoretical mechanisms of the magnetic field modulation effect and radial force modulation effect were explained. The study showed that high-order radial forces can excite larger low-order vibrations under the influence of radial force modulation. Then, in response to the axial spacing in the linear skewed pole structure when canceling the 48th-order radial force, a stepwise skewed pole structure was proposed. The suppression mechanism of this skewed pole structure on the motor’s modulated vibration was analyzed, and the optimization effect of different segment numbers on the motor’s vibration acceleration at $12f_e$ was discussed. Finally, models for the motor’s magnetic field, structural field, and acoustic field before and after skewing were established, and simulations were conducted to compare the magnitudes of the radial forces at each order and their vibration noise performance. The results showed that after stepwise skewed pole optimization, the radial force that excites the modulated vibration was reduced by 68%, the maximum vibration acceleration on the casing surface was reduced by 84%, and the overall noise was reduced by 7.491 dB, effectively suppressing electromagnetic vibration noise. Full article

This paper proposes a novel nine-phase ferrite-assisted synchronous reluctance machine (FA-SynRM) featuring skewed stator slots to address challenges related to harmonic distortion, torque ripple, and material sustainability which are prevalent in conventional permanent magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance motors (PMa-SynRMs). Existing PMa-SynRMs often suffer from increased torque ripples and harmonic distortion, while reliance on rare-earth materials raises cost and sustainability concerns. To address these issues, the proposed design incorporates low-cost ferrite magnets embedded within the rotor flux barriers to achieve a flux-concentrated effect and enhanced torque production. The nine-phase winding configuration is utilized to improve fault tolerance, reduce harmonic distortion, and enable smoother torque output compared with conventional three-phase counterparts. In addition, the skewed stator slot design further minimizes harmonic components, reducing overall distortion. The proposed machine is validated through finite element analysis (FEA), and experimental verification is obtained by measuring the inductance characteristics and back-EMF of the nine-phase winding, confirming the feasibility of the electromagnetic design. The results demonstrate significant reductions in harmonic distortion and torque ripples, verifying the potential of this design. Full article

Compared with the traditional brushless doubly-fed generator (BDFG), the BDFG with double stator (BDFG-DS) architecture achieves enhanced configurability by physically decoupling the power and control windings onto independent stator assemblies. The design offers benefits such as expanded slot dimensions and enhanced power density, yet it remains constrained by inherent asymmetry in three phases, which causes large harmonics and torque ripples. In this paper, the working mechanism of the BDFG-DS is introduced. Then the root cause of the asymmetric phenomena is discussed. And based on the analysis, an optimization method with complementary skewed stators is developed to enhance the performance of the BDFG-DS. By adopting the appropriate combination of pole slot and skewing slot angles of the two stators, the asymmetry and performance, including harmonics and torque ripples, are improved. Meanwhile, unlike the traditional skewing slot method, the torque density and power density are not decreased. Finally, a finite element analysis model is built and simulations are conducted to demonstrate the electromagnetic optimization efficacy of the proposed skewed-stator topology. Full article

Background: The discovery of novel antibody–drug conjugates for low-expression human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2-low) breast cancer highlights the inadequacy of the conventional binary classification of HER2 status as either negative or positive. Identification of HER2-low breast cancer is crucial for selecting patients who may benefit from targeted therapies. This study aims to determine whether qualitative and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features can effectively reflect low-HER2-expression breast cancer. Methods: Pre-treatment breast MRI images from 232 patients with pathologically confirmed breast cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Both clinicopathologic and MRI features were recorded. Qualitative MRI features included Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) descriptors from dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), as well as intratumoral T2 hyperintensity and peritumoral edema observed in T2-weighted imaging (T2WI). Quantitative features were derived from diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) using multiple b-values and included statistics such as mean, median, 5th and 95th percentiles, skewness, kurtosis, and entropy from apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), D_app, and K_app histograms. Differences in clinicopathologic, qualitative, and quantitative MRI features were compared across groups, with multivariable logistic regression used to identify significant independent predictors of HER2-low breast cancer. The discriminative power of MRI features was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: HER2 status was categorized as HER2-zero (n = 60), HER2-low (n = 91), and HER2-overexpressed (n = 81). Clinically, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), hormone receptor (HR), and Ki-67 levels significantly differed between the HER2-low group and others (all p < 0.001). In MRI analyses, intratumoral T2 hyperintensity was more prevalent in HER2-low cases (p = 0.009, p = 0.008). Mass lesions were more common in the HER2-zero group than in the HER2-low group (p = 0.038), and mass shape (p < 0.001) and margin (p < 0.001) significantly varied between the HER2 groups, with mass shape emerging as an independent predictive factor (HER2-low vs. HER2-zero: p = 0.010, HER2-low vs. HER2-over: p = 0.012). Qualitative MRI features demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.763 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.667–0.859) for distinguishing HER2-low from HER2-zero status. Quantitative features showed distinct differences between HER2-low and HER2-overexpression groups, particularly in non-mass enhancement (NME) lesions. Combined variables achieved the highest predictive accuracy for HER2-low status, with an AUC of 0.802 (95% CI: 0.701–0.903). Conclusions: Qualitative and quantitative MRI features offer valuable insights into low-HER2-expression breast cancer. While qualitative features are more effective for mass lesions, quantitative features are more suitable for NME lesions. These findings provide a more accessible and cost-effective approach to noninvasively identifying patients who may benefit from targeted therapy. Full article

Servo motors are among the most efficient and precise performers within the category of permanent magnet synchronous motors. These motors stand out for their high power density, quiet operation, low maintenance, and wide operating speed range advantages. One of the disadvantages of these motors, which is also the subject of this study, is their high torque ripple. Torque ripple is critical in applications requiring precision, as it can affect operational performance and contribute to vibration and noise issues. Torque ripple can be reduced through design methods such as different winding layouts, slot openings, stator/rotor skewing, or pole offset. In this study, torque ripple of servo motors was investigated through various magnet geometry designs and analyses using the finite element method. Design and analysis studies were conducted for a reference servo motor, and alternative designs were obtained by modifying the rotor structure of the reference motor. In the studies conducted, it has been observed that the torque ripple, initially at 2.17 Nm, can be improved to as low as 1.23 Nm. This indicates that the torque ripple, which was initially at 3.75%, can be reduced to around 2.08%. However, performance losses may occur depending on the extent of improvement. Full article

Interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) for traction applications have attracted significant attention due to their advantages of high torque and power density as well as a wide operating range. However, these motors suffer from high electromagnetic vibration noise due to their complex structure and structural rigidity. The main sources of this electromagnetic vibration noise are cogging torque, torque ripple, and radial force. To predict electromagnetic vibration noise, finite element analysis (FEA) with flux density analysis of the air gap is essential. This approach allows for the calculation of radial force that is the source of the vibration and enables the prediction of vibration in advance. The data obtained from these analyses provide important guidance for reducing vibration and noise in the design of electric motors. In this paper, the cogging torque and vibration at rated and maximum operating speed are analyzed, and an optimal cogging torque and vibration reduction model, with rotor taper and two-step skew structure, is proposed using the response surface method (RSM) to minimize them. The validity of the proposed model is demonstrated through formulations and FEA based entirely on numerical analysis and results. This study is expected to contribute to the design of more efficient and quieter electric motors by providing a solution to the electromagnetic vibration noise problem generated by IPMSM for traction applications with complex structures. Full article

Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) and O⁶-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) genes are critical molecular markers in determining treatment options and predicting the prognosis of adult-type diffuse gliomas. Objectives: this study aimed to investigate whether multimodal MRI enables the differentiation of genotypes in adult-type diffuse gliomas. Methods: a total of 116 adult-type diffuse glioma patients (61 males, 51.5 (37, 62) years old) who underwent multimodal MRI before surgery were retrospectively analysed. Multimodal MRI included conventional MRI, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-MRS), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Conventional visual features, N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA)/Creatine (Cr), Choline (Cho)/Cr, Cho/NAA, fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and diffusion histogram parameters were extracted on the whole tumour. Multimodal MRI parameters of IDH-mutant and IDH-wildtype gliomas were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test, Student’s t-test, or Pearson chi-square tests. Logistic regression was used to select the MRI parameters to predict IDH-mutant gliomas. Furthermore, multimodal MRI parameters were selected to establish models for predicting MGMT methylation in the IDH-wildtype gliomas. The performance of models was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristics curve. Results: a total of 56 patients with IDH-mutant gliomas and 60 patients with IDH-wildtype glioblastomas (GBM) (37 with methylated MGMT and 17 with unmethylated MGMT) were diagnosed by 2021 WHO classification criteria. The enhancement degree (OR = 4.298, p < 0.001), necrosis/cyst (OR = 5.381, p = 0.011), NAA/Cr (OR = 0.497, p = 0.037), FA-Skewness (OR = 0.497, p = 0.033), MD-Skewness (OR = 1.849, p = 0.035), FA_mean (OR = 1.924, p = 0.049) were independent factors for the multimodal combined prediction model in predicting IDH-mutant gliomas. The combined modal based on conventional MRI, ¹H-MRS, DTI parameters, and histogram performed best in predicting IDH-wildtype status (AUC = 0.890). However, only NAA/Cr (OR = 0.17, p = 0.043) and FA (OR = 0.38, p = 0.015) were associated with MGMT methylated in IDH-wildtype GBM. The combination of NAA/Cr and FA-Median is more accurate for predicting MGMT methylation levels than using these elements alone (AUC, 0.847 vs. 0.695/0.684). Conclusions: multimodal MRI based on conventional MRI, ¹H-MRS, and DTI can provide compound imaging markers for stratified individual diagnosis of IDH mutant and MGMT promoter methylation in adult-type diffuse gliomas. Full article

Torque ripple and radial electromagnetic (EM) vibration can lead to motor vibration and noise, which are crucial to the motor’s NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) performance. Researchers focus on two main aspects: motor body design and control strategy, employing various methods to optimize the motor and reduce torque ripple and radial EM vibration. Rotor notching and segmented rotor skewing are frequently used techniques. However, determining the optimal notch and skew strategy has been an ongoing challenge for researchers. In this paper, an 8-pole, 36-slot ISG motor is optimized using a combination of Q-axis and magnetic bridge notching (QMC notch) as well as segmented rotor skewing to reduce torque ripple and radial EM vibration. Three skewing strategies—step skew (SS), V-shape skew (VS), and zigzag skew (ZS)—along with four segmentation cases are thoroughly considered. The results show that the QMC notch significantly reduces torque ripple, while skewing designs greatly diminish radial EM vibrations. However, at 14 $f_e$, the EM vibration frequency is close to the motor’s third-order natural frequency, leading to mixed results in vibration reduction using skewing techniques. After a comprehensive analysis of all skewing strategies, four-segment VS and ZS are recommended as the optimal approaches. Full article

This article presents a detailed analysis of the electromagnetic force and vibration behavior of a new axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) machine with a yokeless stator and interior PM rotor. Firstly, the configuration of an AFPM machine with a dual rotor and a sandwiched stator is introduced, including the structural design, fixation of the yokeless stator and segmented skew rotor structure. Then, the influence of anisotropic material and a fixed structure on stator modes is analyzed, including elastic modulus, shear model, the skew angle of slot and the thickness of stator yoke. Furthermore, a new non-equally segmented skew rotor structure is proposed and calculated for the reduction in vibration based on the multiphysics model. Three different segmented skew rotor schemes are compared to illustrate the influence of reducing vibration and noise. The predicted results show that the effect of the non-equally segmented skew rotor on reducing vibration is better than the other two schemes. Finally, a 120 kW AFPM motor is experimented with and the result matches well with the predicted data. The vibration performance of the AFPM motor with a dual rotor and sandwiched yokeless stator is revealed comprehensively. Full article

Recently, due to the price fluctuation and supply instability of rare earth mineral resources, there has been a lot of development of electric motors using non-rare-earth permanent magnets. As a result, motors using Dy-free permanent magnets and ferrite permanent magnets are being researched, and, in particular, ferrite permanent magnets often utilize spoke-type structures, which are magnetic flux concentrators, to compensate for their low coercivity and residual flux density. However, in general, spoke-type PMSMs do not use much reluctance torque, so double-layer spoke-type PMSMs have been studied for their more efficient design. Unlike general spoke-type PMSMs, double-layer spoke-type PMSMs can utilize high reluctance torque by increasing the difference between d-axis and q-axis reluctance. However, as the difference in magnetic resistance increases, vibration and noise are generated, which adversely affects the mechanical part and shortens the life of the motor. Although this problem seemed to be solved by applying core skew in the previous study, it was confirmed that the axial force caused by the axial leakage flux occurred in the maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) control section and the torque ripple was increased. Therefore, in this paper, a model that can apply symmetrical core skew and reduce axial force is proposed. First, the causes of the axial force generated in previous studies were analyzed. Based on the analysis of these causes, a new symmetrical core skew structure was proposed, and its justification was verified through FEA. Full article

Axial flux permanent magnet machines have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their numerous advantages in various applications, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, and robotics. However, one of the critical challenges associated with these machines is the presence of cogging torque, which can hinder their efficiency and performance. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art techniques employed for cogging torque reduction in Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Machines. Different techniques are described, encompassing geometric optimization, magnet placement, and skewing methods. Firstly, the significance of Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Machines is described, as well as the issue of the cogging torque. In the methods section, a review of the strategies for the reduction of cogging torque is described from various articles, and finally, in the discussion section, a list of actions is presented for cogging torque reduction for different topologies. The novelty of the study is that it combines strategies for cogging torque reduction in a single article. Full article

Vascular-related diseases pose significant public health challenges and are a leading cause of mortality and disability. Understanding the complex structure of the vascular system and its processes is crucial for addressing these issues. Recent advancements in medical imaging technology have enabled the generation of high-resolution 3D images of vascular structures, leading to a diverse array of methods for vascular extraction. While previous research has often assumed a normal distribution of image data, this paper introduces a novel vessel extraction method that utilizes the skew normal distribution for more accurate probability distribution modeling. The proposed method begins with a preprocessing step to enhance vessel structures and reduce noise in Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) images. The skew normal distribution, known for its ability to model skewed data, is then employed to characterize the intensity distribution of vessels. By estimating the parameters of the skew normal distribution using the Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm, the method effectively separates vessel pixels from the background and non-vessel regions. To extract vessels, a thresholding technique is applied based on the estimated skew normal distribution parameters. This segmentation process enables accurate vessel extraction, particularly in detecting thin vessels and enhancing the delineation of vascular edges with low contrast. Experimental evaluations on a diverse set of MRA images demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed method compared to previous approaches in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency. The presented vessel extraction method holds promise for improving the diagnosis and treatment of vascular-related diseases. By leveraging the skew normal distribution, it provides accurate and efficient vessel segmentation, contributing to the advancement of vascular imaging in the field of medical image analysis. Full article

Interior permanent magnet (IPM) motors in traction applications often employ discrete rotor skewing constructions to reduce torsional excitations and back-EMF harmonics. Although skewing is very effective in reducing cogging torque, the impact on torque ripple is not well understood and can vary significantly over the operating envelope of a motor. Skewing also leads to the creation of a non-zero axial force that may compromise the bearing life if not considered. This paper introduces a holistic methodology for analyzing the effect of skewing, aiming to minimize torsional excitations, axial forces and back-EMF harmonics whilst mitigating the impact on performance and costs. Firstly, analytical models are employed for calculating cogging torque, torque ripple and axial forces. Then, 2D and 3D finite element analysis are used to incorporate the influence of non-linear material behavior. A detailed structural model of the powertrain is employed to calculate the radiated noise and identify key areas allowing a motor designer to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). A meticulous selection process for the skewing angle, the number of skew stacks and the orientation of skew stacks is developed, giving particular attention to the effect of the selected pattern on NVH in both forward and reverse rotating directions. Full article

This paper presents research on an unconventional electric machine. It is a hybrid excited machine which includes the features of three types of machines: the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine, the Synchronous Machine, and the Synchronous Reluctance Machine. Therefore, a broad literature review related to the above-mentioned types of machines was constructed. The well-known Permanent Magnet assisted Synchronous Reluctance Machine joins features of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine and Synchronous Reluctance Machine topologies. This paper shows the results of the innovative design of the Hybrid Excited Permanent Magnet assisted Synchronous Reluctance Machine, which additionally has advantages of the Synchronous Machine. In the article the basic methods of electromagnetic flux control and the designs using them are also presented. Finally, the results of simulation studies of the effect of the stator skew on the machine performance are described. Full article

The magnetic domains of non-oriented electrical steel bearing cumulative thermal compressions made by a Gleeble 3500 Thermal System were observed using an atomic force microscope (AFM). The component forces, comprising the magnetic forces between the AFM probe and magnetic domains of the samples, along the freedom direction of the probe, were measured, and they formed the value fluctuation of the magnetic domains. The fluctuations of the magnetic domains were analyzed by examining the power spectral density (PSD) curves. The hysteresis curves of the samples were measured using a highly sensitive magnetic measurement system. An analysis of the magnetic force microscope (MFM) maps suggested that some magnetic domains were compressed into crushed and fragmented shapes, similar to the microstructure of deformed grains. Meanwhile, some were reconstructed within the thermal compressions, like dynamic recrystallization microstructures. Meaningfully, the MFM probe moved and deformed the proximal magnetic domains of tested samples within the region of its weak magnetic field. The peak positions of the magnetic domains with a high deformation rate were shifted and moved during the measuring processes by the weakly polarized probe. Both windward and leeward sides simultaneously expressed a slope towards each co-adjacent valley in the MFM maps and induced a statistical throbbing within a narrow band in the PSD curves. Thus, the MFM scanning mode was also analyzed and improved to obtain accurate MFM maps with low disturbances from the weak magnetic field of the probe. Swapping the order positions of the middle processes in the MFM scanning and adding a gliding step between them could offset the peak skewing of magnetic domains caused by the weakly polarized probe during MFM measurement process without incurring excessive replacement costs. Accumulative compression at a high rate (10 s⁻¹) would crush magnetic domains into irregularly decreasing sizes with messy boundaries. This investigation provides an example of the complete relationships among deformations, magnetic domains, and magnetic properties. Full article