Finite element analysis of effect of electrode pitting in resistance spot welding of aluminium alloy

The effect of electrode pitting on the formation of the weld nugget in resistance spot welding of an aluminium alloy was investigated using the finite element method. Pitted electrodes were simulated by assuming a pre-drilled hole of varying diameter at the centre of the electrode tip surface. The results showed that a small pitting hole would not have a detrimental influence on the nugget size. The actual contact area at the electrode/sheet …