Simulation of shear banding and crack propagation in bulk metallic glass matrix composites

Different modes of shear banding in bulk metallic glass (BMG) matrix composites are identified from the systematic simulation studies based on a mesoscopic phase-field model for deformation in glassy alloys. We characterize the interaction between shear band and crystalline reinforcements by considering the residual stress and atomic bonding condition at the interface between BMG-matrix and the reinforcement. The simulation demonstrates that compressive residual stress assists to impede the shear bands propagating toward the reinforcements, while tensile residual stress accelerates such process. In addition, the effect of atomic bonding at the interface on shear banding is investigated by the simulation. The relations between the fracture toughness and the residual stress and atomic bonding condition at the interface are quantitatively determined.

Research highlights▶ Effects of atomic bonding conditions at the interface on shear banding. ▶ Effects of residual stresses on shear banding. ▶ Modes of shear banding and cracking in the composites.