Effect of loading rate on dynamic fracture morphology of a Zr-based bulk metallic glass

Abstract

Low-velocity plate impact experiments using a single-stage gas-gun are performed on Zr 58.5 Cu 15.6 Ni 12.8 Al 10.3 Nb 2.8. Compressive fracture surfaces of the samples subjected to varying impact velocities and stress amplitudes are evaluated in order to study their loading rate dependence. Samples impacted at increasing loading rates, from increasing velocities of impact, show a larger extent of localized melting while those subjected to increasing stress show a transition from ductile to brittle fracture. These observations suggest that the mechanisms and morphology of fracture are strain-rate dependent.