<p>This paper presents a novel investigation into the impact of excitation current harmonics on the radial electromagnetic forces in electric excitation claw-pole alternators. First, the frequency and spatial order of the radial electromagnetic forces, considering excitation current harmonics, are analytically derived. To accurately determine the amplitudes of these forces, a three-dimensional finite element model is developed and validated through an indirect comparison with back-electromotive force (back-EMF) bench test. The study then simulates the radial electromagnetic forces, focusing particularly on the zero-order spatial components, which have the greatest influence on acoustic noise. Various excitation current harmonics, including different phase sequences, frequencies, and amplitudes, are incorporated into these simulations. The results show that even-order harmonics affect only the amplitude without introducing new major vibration sources, whereas odd-order harmonics can generate additional significant vibration sources. For a three-phase, 12-pole/36-slot claw-pole alternator, the 2nd, 3rd, and 6th current harmonics were found to have a significant impact on the amplitude of the radial electromagnetic forces. The 2nd harmonic with a negative phase sequence and the 3rd harmonic with a positive phase sequence effectively reduce the radial electromagnetic force, while the 6th harmonic (in both positive and negative phase sequences) increases it. The simulation analysis results were validated through vibration bench test. These findings provide crucial insights into the effects of excitation current harmonics on claw-pole alternators, offering a foundation for optimizing excitation current design to minimize unwanted vibrations and enhance performance. This study introduces a novel analytical framework and simulation methodology that could be applied to future advancements in motor and alternator design.</p>