NONLINEAR THERMAL EFFECTS IN METAL-NONMETAL SYSTEMS

This paper presents observations on some electronic components where non linear thermal effects play a dominant role. Our interpretation has been assisted by the use of novel numerical modelling techniques which can either solve for a single field variable, or can be used in coupled form to investigate systems where different field variables may interact. Non linear thermal effects appear to be responsible for premature failure in metal film resistors when operated under pulsed conditions. This is thought to be due to the effects of competing thermal paths which involve the metal and non-metal parts of the device. There is also a discussion on some relatively novel ideas concerning the operation of the electric fuse.