Development of Accelerated Failure-free Test Method for Automotive Alternator Magnet
Many automotive components for power generation such as motors and alternators have been widely using ferrite magnets. To ensure a high level of efficiency could be achieved in an alternator, the assembled magnets must be in good enough durability. Recently, some hairline cracks have been found on the magnet produced by manufacturers in Korea. Thus, there is an increasing concern that some of the magnets produced could cause further problems after being assembled in the alternator. Based on the standard alternator test (RS0008 : 2006), this paper has developed an accelerated failure-free test for magnets in alternator to demonstrate that assembled magnets will meet durability objective specified by the manufacturer. This guarantees the target life of the magnet with 90 percent reliability and 90 percent confidence level (R90C90). Temperature and rotation speed were selected as accelerated stress factors.