Steady-State Thermal Analysis of Electric Fuse using Finite Element Method

Electric fuses are widely used for electrical safety purposes for many years in different levels of electrical systems. In this paper, the steady-state thermal analysis of an automotive fuse using the finite element method is presented. A fuse thermal model was developed as a simulation benchmark. Thermal characterization tests were carried out to validate the thermal model with an average error between simulation and measurements of ∼4.4%. The thermal model provides a useful tool for fuse design and development.