Mechanisms for fracture and fatigue-crack propagation in a bulk metallic glass

Journal Article · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1999 · Metallurgical and Materials Transactions. A, Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-999-0173-y· OSTI ID:677983

Gilbert, C J; Schroeder, V; Ritchie, R O ^[1]

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1. Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (United States). Dept. of Materials Science and Mineral Engineering

The fracture and fatigue properties of a newly developed bulk metallic glass alloy, Zr{sub 41.2}Ti{sub 13.8}Cu{sub 12.5}Ni{sub 10}Be{sub 22.5} (at. pct), have been examined. Experimental measurements using conventional fatigue precracked compact-tension C(T) specimens ({approximately}7-mm thick) indicated that the fully amorphous alloy has a plane-strain fracture toughness comparable to polycrystalline aluminum alloys. However, significant variability was observed and possible sources are identified. The fracture surfaces exhibited a vein morphology typical of metallic glasses, and, in some cases, evidence for local melting was observed. Attempts were made to rationalize the fracture toughness in terms of a previously developed micromechanical model based on the Taylor instability, as well as on the observation of extensive crack branching and deflection. Upon partial or complete crystallization, however, the alloy was severely embrittled, with toughnesses dropping to {approximately}1 MPa {radical}m. Commensurate with this drop in toughness was a marginal increase in hardness and a reduction in ductility (as measured via depth-sensing indentation experiments). Under cyclic loading, crack-propagation behavior in the amorphous structure was similar to that observed in polycrystalline steel and aluminum alloys. Moreover, the crack-advance mechanism was associated with alternating blunting and resharpening of the crack tip. This was evidenced by striations on fatigue fracture surfaces. Conversely, the (unnotched) stress/life (S/N) properties were markedly different. Crack initiation and subsequent growth occurred quite readily, due to the lack of microstructural barriers that would normally provide local crack-arrest points. This resulted in a low fatigue limit of {approximately}4 pct of ultimate tensile strength.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 677983
• Journal Information: Metallurgical and Materials Transactions. A, Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science, Journal Name: Metallurgical and Materials Transactions. A, Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 30; ISSN 1073-5623; ISSN MMTAEB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
BERYLLIUM ALLOYS
COPPER ALLOYS
CRACKS
FATIGUE
FRACTURE MECHANICS
FRACTURE PROPERTIES
METALLIC GLASSES
NICKEL ALLOYS
TITANIUM ALLOYS
ZIRCONIUM ALLOYS