Research on Quick Start and High Pressure Resistance Design of Electrothermal Fusible Plug
摘要
This study presents an electrothermal fusible plug as a novel non-explosive initiation mechanism for high-pressure gas systems (30 MPa operating pressure), combining enhanced safety with reduced sensitivity compared to conventional pyrotechnic actuators. The device functions by employing localized electrical heating to rapidly compromise the structural integrity of its sealing element, thereby establishing the gas discharge pathway. The principal innovation lies in the concurrent achievement of two critical performance parameters: structural integrity under extreme pressure (30 MPa) and ultrafast response time (≤1 s). This work represents the first reported successful development of an electrothermal fusible plug prototype capable of simultaneously meeting these rigorous performance requirements in China. The study demonstrates that through systematic design optimization and precision manufacturing processes, the developed device achieves consistent activation within 500 ms. Experimental data indicate a significant inverse correlation (R2 = 0.95) between applied voltage and response time, where increased voltage levels correspond to proportionally reduced response durations. These results suggest the establishment of a new technical approach for safe and high-performance gas source initiation systems, particularly relevant for aerospace and defense applications demanding exceptional reliability and safety standards.