Experimental design of fuse link with ceramic alloy: Cracking problem

Abstract

Low-voltage (LV) fuse systems, which open a circuit by cutting the current when it exceeds a given value for an adequate period, are used in nonresidential, commercial and industrial buildings. LV-fuse systems consist of a fuse base, fuse link, and a detachable operating handle. The fuse link is made of a ceramic alloy. In this study, a full-factorial experimental design with two levels was used to solve the fracture problem of fuse links. In this scope, performance criteria (compressive strength), factors affecting the performance criteria (moisture ratio, shaping duration, drying duration and firing duration) and factor levels were determined in the initial stage. Main effects and interactions among factors were investigated, and factor-level combinations that maximize the compressive strength were determined according to the analysis results. Finally, the relationship between compressive strength and experimental factors was presented in the form of f = y(x) for prediction purposes.