Theoretical study of wire fragmentation due to high pulsed currents

The equations of magneto-thermo-elasticity are employed to study stress waves induced in thin metal wires by high pulsed currents with the aim of explaining the wire fragmentation phenomenon. Two main aspects are studied, namely, (i) possible amplification of stress waves induced by pinch effect, and (ii) dynamic stress induced by thermal expansion. It is shown that the magnitude of tensile stress produced by the thermal expansion may well exceed the ultimate strength of the material.