Thin-walled Ti41.5Zr2.5Hf5Cu42.5Ni7.5Si1 bulk metallic glass tubes: Promising energy absorbers and lightweight structures

Ti41.5Zr2.5Hf5Cu42.5Ni7.5Si1 thin-walled bulk metallic glass tubes (BMGTs) with the outer diameter of 2.0 mm and thicknesses lower than 0.1 mm are fabricated by coreless copper mould casting method. The compression tests show the thin-walled BMGT samples have a typical buckling deformation with a densification strain of 0.8. The large buckling deformation is independent of the free volume and becomes invalid with the precipitation of completely brittle nano-crystal after annealing. Thin-walled BMGTs with thickness of 0.07 mm possess outstanding yield stress (232 MPa), average collapse stress (100 MPa), specific energy absorption (91 J/g) and a desirably small relative density (0.14), obviously outperforming the properties of existing poriferous and hollow BMG architectures, and thus demonstrating promise for use as energy absorbers and lightweight structures.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Thin-walled BMG tubes are fabricated by coreless copper mould casting method. ► The tubes have a typical buckling deformation with a densification strain of 0.8. ► Possessing outstanding mechanical properties and desirably small relative density. ► Obviously outperforming the properties of existing BMG foams and egg-box panels. ► Demonstrating promise for use as energy absorbers and lightweight structures.