[Pyrodogg]

I would venture to guess they're built to work both ways. If the computer has sufficient time and information to make the decision it releases the panels. Ex. Engine failed, shut it down, blow panel as precaution to drop pressure in that engine compartment.

They're also most likely built as the designated point of failure, like a safety valve on a boiler. If the pressure builds too high they are blown out by the pressure. Ex. engine goes critical and explodes before computer can react, the panels fail before other structural components do.