The Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Zr-Based Metallic Glass under Different Strain Rate Compressions

Abstract

In this study, the high strain rate deformation behavior and the microstructure evolution of Zr-Cu-Al-Ni metallic glasses under various strain rates were investigated. The influence of strain and strain rate on the mechanical properties and fracture behavior, as well as microstructural properties was also investigated. Before mechanical testing, the structure and thermal stability of the Zr-Cu-Al-Ni metallic glasses were studied with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimeter. The mechanical property experiments and microstructural observations of Zr-Cu-Al-Ni metallic glasses under different strain rates ranging from 10−3 to 5.1 × 103 s−1 and at temperatures of 25 °C were investigated using compressive split-Hopkinson bar (SHPB) and an MTS tester. An in situ transmission electron microscope (TEM) nanoindenter was used to carry out compression tests and investigate the deformation behavior arising at nanopillars of the Zr-based metallic glass. The formation and interaction of shear band during the plastic deformation were investigated. Moreover, it was clearly apparent that the mechanical strength and ductility could be enhanced by impeding the penetration of shear bands with reinforced particles.

Related Structure Characters and Stability of Structural Defects in a Metallic Glass

“…Although metallic glasses (MGs) have received much attention since its discovery in 1960s due to their outstanding mechanical properties such as ultrahigh strength, superior elasticity, and excellent thermo-plasticity, some weaknesses limit their industrial applications, including the difficulty to obtain normal size and brittleness at room temperatures [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. The latter weakness makes MGs impossible to be used as structural materials.…”

Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Structural Signals of Shear-Band Formation in Zr46Cu46Al8 Metallic Glasses

“…The shear band plays a decisive role in controlling the deformation of metallic glasses (MGs) at room temperature, in which large plastic strain is concentrated [1,2,3]. A shear-band process includes formation, propagation, and arrest [4].…”

Effect of Inoculation on Phase Formation and Indentation Hardness Behaviour of Zr<SUB>47.5</SUB>Cu<SUB>45.5</SUB>Al<SUB>5</SUB>Co<SUB>2</SUB> and Zr<SUB>65</SUB>Cu<SUB>15</SUB>Al<SUB>10</SUB>Ni<SUB>10</SUB> Bulk Metallic Glass Matrix Composites

“…These include observations under abrasion corrected transmission electron microscopy [31], synchrotron light [32] [33] [34] [35] and in-situ studies [36] [37] [38] [39] but none have been made on the detailed use of more recent and advanced electron back scattered diffraction. Only three notable studies have been recently reported [40] [41] [42] but they are only qualitative and are limited by mere generalised phase identification. This is a new and unique technique which has been reported as complimentary to transmission electron microscopy [43] [44].…”