Michaela Franke

Michaela Franke

Home: Johannes Kepler University Linz
Host: University of Minnesota

Topic: „Heavy-Rare-Earth-Free Electric Machines: Topologies, Design, Modeling, and Optimization“

Michaela’s master's thesis focuses on the design and optimization of high-performance electric machines. The goal is to achieve high power density and efficiency without relying on (heavy) rare-earth materials, thereby reducing the environmental impact of electric drives.

As part of this work, She investigates how emerging manufacturing technologies can enable new electric machine designs. In particular, Michaela explores multi-material additive manufacturing (MMAM), which allows electrical steel and stainless steel to be 3D printed together. This makes it possible to manufacture solid high-speed synchronous machines that cannot be produced using conventional methods.

To take full advantage of this new design freedom, she uses topology optimization to identify promising rotor topologies. Ultimately, her research aims to develop innovative electric machine designs that improve the efficiency, performance, and sustainability of future electric drives.

Outside the lab, she enjoys exploring Minnesota's lakes and trails.