Development of a fuse digital model for virtual testing of breaking capacity

As full-scale tests of electronic products are very complex and costly, manufacturers are increasingly interested in digital testing. Promising novel prototype devices are based on computer models, which are essentially mathematical models of multiphysics processes constructed in a computing environment. Computer models capable of faithfully reproducing the processes occurring in fuses allow to reduce the amount of full-scale tests necessary and shorten the time that it takes to develop new designs with the required characteristics. This study reports on the construction of high-accuracy mathematical and computer models. A mathematical model was developed based on fundamental physical laws, describing gas-dynamic, thermal and electrical processes in the fuse during testing. A functional dependence of the evaporation of the fuse link material on temperature is used in the digital model. The equations formulated were used to develop a three-dimensional non-stationary computer model of the fuse. The results of experimental studies and simulation of the fuse operation are presented. The digital model was validated. Temperature dependences of the material properties were determined. Dependence of evaporation rate on temperature for silver allows to perform parametric study to obtain time–current characteristics of the fuse. The time–current characteristics of the fuse were obtained based on virtual tests.