Abstract Scope |
Atomistic and mesoscale simulations have been extensively used to understand structures, deformation mechanisms, and structure-property relationships in bulk metallic glasses (BMGs), each with unique strengths and limitations. However, their synergistic integration is limited. This study extracts key properties of shear transformation zones (STZs) from atomistic simulations, including size, shear modes, eigenstrain, and activation energy barrier spectrum (AEBS). These properties are then incorporated into a heterogeneously randomized STZ dynamic model using a kinetic Monte Carlo algorithm to study the deformation microstructure, shear band formation, and stress-strain behavior of BMGs. Two critical characteristics of the AEBS (approximated by a Gaussian distribution) influencing strength and ductility are identified: the average of the spectrum and its shift towards smaller values during deformation, which vary with composition, cooling history and strain rate. These findings provide insights into shear-induced softening and deformation behavior, correlating composition, processing history, and loading conditions with mechanical behavior. |