Structural Integrity of In-Wheel Motors 2018-01-1829

In-wheel motors offer an optimized solution for novel drivetrain architectures of future electric vehicles that could penetrate into the mainstream automotive industry, moving the wheel actuation where it’s required, directly inside the wheels. Obtainable literature mainly deals with optimization of electromagnetically active parts, however, mechanical design of electromagnetically passive parts that indirectly influence motor performance also requires detailed analysis and extensive validation. To meet the optimal performance requirements (also durable) of an in-wheel traction motor, their mechanical design requires topology optimization of housing elements, thermal mapping, geometrical and dimensional tolerance checks and selection of proper hub bearings, in order to assure consistent electromagnetic behavior stability The following paper uniquely describes the review of loads acting on an in-wheel motor, the workflow of a typical mechanical design process, testing, and validation processes for achieving the required durability of an in-wheel assembly.