Aerodynamically Driven Model-Based Approach to eVTOL Motor Design

This paper deals with a model-based approach for the design of electric motors dedicated to eVTOL propulsion, emphasizing the aerodynamic constraints and mission profiles specific to urban air mobility. The aerodynamic requirements, derived from Blade Element Theory and refined through XFOIL simulations, inform the torque and speed demands imposed on the electric motor during various flight phases. Furthermore, the paper demonstrates how aircraft-level design choices directly impact motor sizing and configuration. Two scenarios are considered for the design of the Surface-mounted Permanent Magnet machines proposed: the first considers the availability of fast battery charging infrastructure, the latter assumes operations based on batterv-swapning after each flight.