Electrolysis, I think.  Dissimilar metals are subject to electrolysis
when in contact and when each is in contact with conductors, effectively
creating a battery if there is any opportunity for an electolyte
(doesn't take much) to be present in the minute space between them.
FWIW, that is why one doesn't (or shouldn't) put dissimilar metals in a
dishwasher, at least not where they can make contact.  Or am I all wet?
In that case, I might also bond by this mechanism to objects that touch
me.

Dave Mc

On Thu, Oct 8, 2009 at 11:33 AM, Rocket J Squirrel wrote:

> What's the term that is used to describe the process when, over time,
> dissimilar metals in fasteners bond together? It's not fretting, I
> don't
> think.
> --
> Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
> 84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
> 74 Westrailia: (Ladybug Trailer company, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.)
> Bend, OR
> KG6RCR