Effects of pre-introduced shear origin zones on mechanical property of ZrCu metallic glass

•We name the local strain region 1–2 nm in size shear origin zones (SOZ).•SOZs lead to uniform strain distribution and to the avoidance of stress localization.•The simulation data well agree with the experimental results.

Molecular-dynamics simulations of the deformation behavior of ZrCu metallic glass reveal that plasticity and strength can be effectively improved by pre-introducing shear bands. A local strain region 1–2 nm in size can be clearly observed. We name these regions shear origin zones. Strong interactions produced in these shear origin zones lead to uniform strain distribution and to the avoidance of stress localization. The simulation data well agree with the experimental results.