Abstract-The starting torque of a single-phase permanent magnet brushless dc motor is investigated, for both radial and parallel magnetization. Finite element analysis is used to assess the relative merits of alternative methods of introducing the required airgap asymmetry, viz. tapered airgap, stepped airgap, asymmetric airgap, and slotted teeth. The predicted results are validated experimentally.Index Terms-Brushless dc motor, electrical machine, permanent magnet, reluctance torque.