Molecular dynamics simulation of shear in a pressure-induced amorphous model system

Constant shear rate molecular dynamics simulation for a pressure-induced amorphous model system are presented. In particular, we study the effect of shear rate close to the crystal-to-amorphous transformation. We find that shear may assist the transformation when approaching the mechanical instability point. Amorphous and crystal phases may coexist during steady shear flow, with local shear rearrangements localized in the amorphous phase only, while crystal grains perform overall rotation within the amorphous matrix.