Dynamic welding of silver contacts under different mechanical bounce conditions

Mechanical parameters were correlated with dynamic contact welding for a hard silver contact alloy. The study was conducted with a model switch that simulated an automotive relay. The switching tests conducted at 13 VDC for rigid and flexible blades correlated contact bounce to weld strength. The weld strength was shown to be highest for single bounces of very short duration and contact gap. Flexible contact springs were shown to create weak welds by mechanical adhesion.