Thesis (MEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis deals with the design and optimisation of medium power traction switched reluctance machines with tapered and straight stator poles. Only the prototype of the tapered stator pole machine is constructed and evaluated in this study. A non-commercial finite element package is used in the design and optimisation of the machines. The finite element method is applied directly in the optimisation procedure to optimise the design of the machines in multi-dimensions. The lumped circuit analysis method is used only for the purpose of verifying some of the finite element calculated. It is not used in the optimisation procedure. The performance characteristics of the tapered and straight stator pole machines are compared and discussed and the tapered stator pole machine is found to have better torque performance. Also the calculated and measured static torque versus rotor position characteristics of the tapered stator pole machine are compared and discussed. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die tesis beskryf die ontwerp en optimering van medium drywing trekkrag geskakelde reluktansie masjiene met tapse en reguit stator pole. Slegs 'n prototipe van die tapse stator pool masjien is gebou en geëvalueer. Die masjiene is ontwerp en geoptimeer met behulp van 'n nie-kommersiële eindige element metode pakket. Die eindige element metode is direk in die optimerings algoritme gebruik vir die optimering van die masjiene in multi-dimensies. Die gekonsentreede parameter stroombaananalise is slegs gebruik om sommige van die eindige element berekenings te verifeer. Die vermoës van die tapse en reguit stator pool masjiene is vergelyk en bespreek. Die resultate toon dat die tapse stator pool masjien se draaimoment vermoë beter is as die van die reguit stator pool masjien. Die berekende en gemete statiese draaimoment teenoor rotorposisie van die tapse stator pool masjien is ook vergelyk en bespreek.