Estimation of current path area during small scale resistance spot welding of bulk metallic glass to stainless steel

The current path area is a significant factor in estimating the temperature distribution via numerical modelling for resistance spot welding. This paper presents a method for the estimation of the current path area at the faying surface during small scale resistance spot welding between bulk metallic glass and stainless steel. Observation of cross-sections and fracture surfaces reveals the welding process at the faying surface for both dissimilar and similar welding. The equipotential surface that depends on the difference between the contact area of the electrode-to-sheet and sheet-to-sheet interfaces is estimated by numerical modelling. The current path area at the faying surface is estimated by measuring the electric potential between the sheets, taking into account the current distribution.