A salient pole machine and method of forming the same comprising a rotating field assembly and at least one inter-pole cap connected to the rotating field assembly and/or at least end coil cap connected to the rotating field assembly. Each inter-pole cap preferably includes a top surface that has a curvature and/or at least one cavity. Each end coil cap may include at least one support. The salient pole machine may also include at least one fan assembly independent of the rotating field assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the salient pole machine includes at least one mounting plate, wherein each fan assembly is mounted on the mounting plate. The inter-pole caps and the end coil caps preferably comprise composites, polymers, alloys, ceramics, or naturally occurring materials.