In this paper, functionally-graded material (FGM) incorporating magnetic properties are suggested to replace plain PM materials in axial flux power transmission assemblies. Owing to spatial variations in composition and/or microstructure, FGMs can exhibit multifunctional behaviour in terms of magnetic and thermal characteristics. Therefore, a typical layer structure of the functionally-graded permanent magnet (FGPM) is studied for its resultant magnetic flux density obtained from accumulated dipole moments of the layer particles. Frequency of the alternating flux, skin depth of eddy-current penetration; and heat generation and distribution will be consequently improved in a FGPM power transmission device. A comparison between conventional homogeneous PM devices and proposed FGPM types evidently support the advantageous and confirms the capability of the design.

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