Development of a Virtual Test Bench for Studying Fuses

Modern concepts of designing electrical products are based on the development of computer models, which in fact represent mathematical models of multiphysical processes implemented in a computer environment. The development of correct computer models for the processes occurring in fuses makes it possible to reduce the amount of necessary field tests and decrease the time taken to develop new designs for the required characteristics. The article addresses the development of mathematical and computer models with a high level of adequacy, as well as a virtual test bench for digital (virtual) tests of high-speed rotary fuses. A mathematical model describing the gas-dynamic, thermal and electrical processes in a fuse has been developed on the basis of fundamental physical laws. The mathematical model equations were laid at the heart of a newly developed 3D non-stationary computer model of the fuse. The computer models of the fuse and the experimental setup were combined into a united computer model. A virtual test bench has been developed based on the united computer model, and fuse digital tests have been carried out. The numerical study results have been validated against the data of field fuse tests.