What is the stationary component of a DC machine called?

In a DC machine, the stationary component is referred to as the stator. The stator provides the magnetic field that is essential for the operation of the machine. It typically contains field coils that are energized to create a magnetic field, which interacts with the rotating components of the machine, known as the rotor or armature.

The distinction between the stator and the other components is significant for understanding the operation of DC machines. The rotor, which is often confused with the stator, is the rotating part of the machine, responsible for generating electrical energy as it moves within the magnetic field created by the stator. The armature is a term that can refer to the winding on the rotor in a DC machine but does not encompass the stationary aspect of the design.

Field coils, on the other hand, are part of the stator but specifically refer to the windings that create the magnetic field when electrical current flows through them. Therefore, the correct designation for the stationary element of a DC machine, which houses the magnetic field system, is indeed the stator.