Abstract: To study output torque characteristics of 8/6 switched reluctance motor, the principle of single-phase excitation of switched reluctance motor was expounded, and the magnetic field distribution in air gap between motor teeth was analyzed by finite-element analysis software Maxwell 2D. A new model of elliptic magnetic paths was established which can describe the elliptic magnetic paths of 8/6 switched reluctance motor. The air gap permeance was solved based on the model and the mathematic model of torque was derived when the motor stays balanced. Finally, the validity of mathematic model was certified by the results of finite-element analysis. Key words: