Achieving stable plastic flows in a Zr-based bulk metallic glass under tailored mixed-mode (I/II) loading conditions

The achievement of stable plastic flows plays a key role for practical structural applications of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs). In this work, by designing complex stress fields through tailored double-side notches, stable plastic flows in a Zr-based BMG were achieved under mixed-mode (I/II) loading conditions. The deformation behavior of the notched BMG specimens, including the shear-banding and fracture behaviors, was examined and correlated to the designed complex stress fields. The findings have shown that the stable plastic flows were mainly caused by the introducing of mode-II component under the mixed-mode (I/II) loading conditions. Increase of the mode-II component can result in not only more stable plastic flows, but also larger bearing loads. The present findings are of significance in uncovering the plastic deformation mechanisms of BMGs under mixed-mode loading conditions and in designing BMG structures with better mechanical performance.