Nano-voids formation at the interaction sites of shear bands in a Zr-based metallic glass

Abstract

Understanding the formation mechanism of voids is a significant issue in controlling the catastrophic fracture in the form of shear bands in metallic glasses. Here, using an amplitude-modulation atomic force microscope, we investigated the nano-voids formation at the mutual interaction of shear bands in a Cu50Zr50 metallic glass. The results of phase shift revealed higher energy dissipation and more soft zones for the nano-voids. The formation of these nano-voids results from tensile stress concentration caused by the interaction of shear bands, based on the results of finite element simulation. The appearance of nano-voids and stress distribution at the site of shear band interaction is essential in understanding the plastic deformation and fracture of metallic glasses.