Design and finite element analysis of hybrid stepper motor for spacecraft applications

This paper presents the design and analysis of a 400-step hybrid stepper motor for spacecraft applications. The design of the hybrid stepper motor for achieving a specific performance requires the choice of appropriate tooth geometry. In this paper, a detailed account of the results of two-dimensional finite-element (FE) analysis conducted with different tooth width/tooth pitch ratios (t/lambda) and also with different tooth shapes such as square and trapezoidal, is presented. The use of equal t/lambda ratio on stator and rotor provides nearly 10% more torque than the case with unequal t/lambda ratio, but with corresponding increase in detent torque and distorted static torque profile. For the requirements of maximum torque density, less-detent torque, and better positional accuracy and smooth static torque profile, different pitch slotting with equal tooth width has to be provided. From the various FE models subjected to analysis trapezoidal teeth configuration with unequal tooth pitch on the stator and rotor is found to be the best configuration and is selected for fabrication. The designed motor is fabricated and the experimental results is compared with the FE results.