Failure modes and energy absorption capability of ZnO varistors

Thermal and mechanical behavior of ZnO varistors used in surge arresters is simulated for current pulses of various magnitiide and duration. Time dependence of the temperature profile and of the distribution of thermal stresses is computed by solving heat transfer equations for varistor disks with nonuniform electrical properties. The simulations identify failure processes and determine energy absorption capability of varistor elements. The results are in excellent agreement with experiment and provide fundamental explanation of the energy handling dependence upon current surge intensity and duration.