Thermodynamic origins of shear band formation and the universal scaling law of metallic glass strength

Abstract

We report a universal scaling law, τ[sub y]=3R(T[sub g]-RT)/V, that uncovers an inherent relationship of the yield strength τ[sub y] with the glass transition temperature T[sub g] and molar volume V of metallic glasses. This equation is derived from fundamental thermodynamics and validated by various metallic glasses with well-defined yielding. The linearity between τ[sub y] and T[sub g] demonstrates the intrinsic correlation between yielding and glass-liquid transition, which contributes to the basic understanding of the strength and deformation of glassy alloys.