Dynamic fragmentation induced by network-like shear bands in a Zr-based bulk metallic glass

• Dynamic fragmentation induced by network-like shear bands is observed in BMGs.
• A model of shear bands including the effect of elastic strain energy is proposed.
• The competition between strain energy and dissipated energy induces fragmentation.

Dynamic fragmentation induced by network-like shear bands is observed in a Zr-based bulk metallic glass subjected to impact loading, which is different from shear failure via one dominant shear band under quasi-static compression. Further, the influence of elastic strain energy on the evolution of shear bands is investigated. It is shown that the shear-band pattern occurring in one dominated mode or in multiple modes strongly depends on the loading rates. Dynamic fragmentation is due to the competition between the elastic strain energy driving a shear band and the dissipated energy along the shear band.