Axial flux motors
A pancake-shaped alternative promising exceptional power density.
You'll learn
- Explain axial flux motors at engineering level
- Read the numbers that define the behaviour
- Apply the idea to a real drive unit
Overview
Axial flux motors turn the conventional layout on its side: instead of flux crossing radially between a cylindrical stator and rotor, it flows axially across a flat, disc-shaped air gap.
In depth
In a conventional 'radial flux' motor, torque-producing surface area is limited by the cylindrical air-gap diameter. An axial flux motor's air gap is a flat disc, so its active area — and hence its torque-producing capability — can be scaled by increasing diameter without lengthening the machine, giving it a short, wide, pancake-like shape.
| Property | Radial flux (conventional) | Axial flux |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Long cylinder | Short, wide disc |
| Power density | Good | Excellent |
| Manufacturing complexity | Mature, lower cost | Higher, improving with scale |
| Typical use today | Mainstream EVs | Performance EVs, motorsport, eVTOL |
Key takeaways
Remember this
- Axial flux motors use a flat, disc-shaped air gap rather than a cylindrical one.
- Their compact, high power-density shape suits performance and aerospace applications.
- Manufacturing precision across a large flat disc remains their main production challenge.
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