Effects of Aspect Ratio on the Shear Band Arrangements of Zr-Based Metallic Glasses

Effects of aspect ratios of Zr-based metallic glasses on the shear band arrangements are investigated through molecular dynamics simulations and experiments. It is found that as the aspect ratio decreases, the dense multiple shear bands form, effectively depressing the formation of the penetrating shear bands, which improves plasticity and strength of metallic glass. Simulation reproduces the images of the evolution of the shear bands in metallic glass, explaining the experimental observation. It is found that as the aspect ratio decreases, shear transformation zones disperse evenly in the entire model, restraining connecting into penetrating shear bands. (C) The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society and ASM International 2014