The effect of stress concentration on the bending behavior of a ZrCuNiAl bulk metallic glass

The bending behaviors of a Zr55Cu30Ni5Al10 bulk metallic glass (BMG) samples with different notch radii are studied. The artificial notch will introduce stress concentration within the BMG sample during bending. That means, smaller notch radius leads to greater stress concentration around the notch area, and thus results in earlier failure and smoother fracture surface. Then, the sample with smaller notch radius possesses smaller fracture toughness. The relationship between the stress concentration and deformation feature has been discussed in terms of grease model.