Abstract
The erosion of electrode in spot welding of aluminium alloy by direct current is dependent on the electric polarity. The positive electrode is much more eroded than the negative one. To explain this phenomenon, Peltier effect has been generally accepted as a unique theory. In this study Peltier effect was evaluated by calculations on the basis of some references and experiments. The difference of heat generated by Peltier effect on both electrode surfaces was, however, only 4% of total heat generated during wel- ding. Because of insufficient explanation, Kohler theory, which is mainly affected by thin oxide film, was introduced. A theoretical calculation showed 17% of the temperature difference between the positive and negative electrode, in case "surface voltage" resulted from oxide film was 30% of total contact voltage. This revealed that the erosion of electrode could be more affected by Kohler theory than effect.an effect.