Influence of strain-rate on compressive-deformation behavior of a Zr–Cu–Ni–Al bulk metallic glass at cryogenic temperature

The compressive-deformation behavior of the Zr50.7Cu28Ni9Al12.3 bulk metallic glass has been studied over a wide strain-rate range at cryogenic temperature (123 K). The BMG presents a negative strain-rate effect on the strength. The decrease in the fracture strength at higher strain rates could be attributed to the combination of strain-rate hardening, thermal softening and free-volume softening.

► The BMG presents a negative strain-rate effect on the strength at 123 K. ► The decrease in strength at low strain rates is due to free-volume softening. ► Both the free-volume softening and temperature rise cause the low strength at high strain rates.