Revisiting the analysis of the thermocouple properties from the standpoint of thomson mechanisms and contact thermal EMF

Abstract

The paper considers formal (mathematical) description of thermal EMF generation in thermocouples from the standpoint both of contact thermal EMF mechanisms and of Thomson effect. It is shown that resulting ratios both for total thermal EMF and  for widely known properties (theorems) of thermocouples are the same for both mechanisms within the accuracy of designation. Consequently, it must be taken as proved that the properties of thermocouple thermal EMF are absolutely undistinguishable from the contact thermal EMF mechanism stand-point and from Thomson effect standpoint (invariable in relation to the both mechanisms of thermal EMF generation). Previously, the literature substantiated the ratio data considering only contact thermal EMF mechanism. The obtained results may serve as a certain expanded theoretical substantiation of the usually practically applied laws of thermo-electric circuits.