John B. wrote:

Not to argue but why is the "clawpole armature" used in automotive
"alternators".
--

The power output of any given electrical machine is proportional to operating
frequency (within some rather broad limits). If you want high power, the
easiest way to get it is using high(er) frequency. Clawpole designs are
mechanically strong and relatively cheap to manufacture.

http://www.rle.mit.edu/per/wp-conten...pologies-I.pdf
states in part:
The salient pole synchronous generator has
the highest electrical output per pound per rpm among all
generators according to a NASA study published in 1965 [9].
It also has the lowest reactances and therefore its regulation
and transient performance are the best.


bob prohaska