Nonlinear tensile deformation behavior of small-sized metallic glasses

Unusual nonlinear deformation behavior with irreversible elongation has been observed in micrometer sized Co-based amorphous wires, and our analysis indicated that this nonlinear deformation is related to the formation of sub-nanometer voids coalesced from flow defects under the tensile stress. Amorphous wires with smaller diameters exhibit a lower apparent yield point, and the smaller shear transformation zone energy barriers associated with faster cooling rates applied during the fabrication process of these wires are responsible for their earlier apparent yielding and resultant elongation.