Soojuslõige

Soojuslõige, also known as thermal runaway, is a phenomenon that occurs when an increase in temperature in a system causes a further increase in temperature, often leading to a destructive positive feedback loop. This process can happen in various contexts, from chemical reactions to electronic devices and even biological systems. In a chemical reaction, if the heat generated by the reaction exceeds the rate at which heat can dissipate, the temperature rises. This increased temperature can then accelerate the reaction rate, producing even more heat, and so on.

In electronics, thermal runaway is a common failure mode for components like transistors or resistors. When a device overheats, its resistance might decrease, leading to a higher current flow. This increased current generates more heat, further increasing the temperature and potentially causing permanent damage or fire. Batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, are also susceptible to thermal runaway, which can result in overheating, venting of flammable gases, and even explosion. The prevention of soojuslõige often involves careful design, effective cooling systems, and the implementation of safety mechanisms to limit temperature and current. Understanding the conditions that lead to thermal runaway is crucial for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of many technologies.