Achieving large macroscopic compressive plastic deformation and work-hardening-like behavior in a monolithic bulk metallic glass by tailoring stress distribution

The limited plastic deformation and lack of work hardening seriously restrict the applications of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs). Here, large macroscopic compressive plastic deformation (over 15%) and work-hardening-like behavior were achieved in a monolithic BMG through tailoring loading stress distribution experimentally. Numerical analysis was also carried out to investigate the stress distribution under the same mechanical condition. It is shown that loading induced stress gradient is responsible for the achievement mentioned above. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.