Effects of mixed mode loading on the fracture toughness of bulk metallic glass/W composites

Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG)/W composites produced via infiltrating W preforms with liquid LM106 (Zr57Nb5Al10Cu15.4Ni12.6) were tested under Mixed Mode (I/II) loading. Different offset ratios were utilized at different temperatures (e.g. 298 K, 623 K and 683 K). Increasing test temperatures produced significant increases in fracture toughness of W/BMG composite for Mode I and Mixed Mode I/II conditions, while increasing Mode Mixity reduced the fracture toughness. Contrasting behavior was exhibited by both the W preforms and monolithic LM106 under Mixed Mode loading at different temperatures.