Influence of Vibrational Loading on Deformation Behavior of Metallic Glass: A Molecular Dynamics Study

The influence of vibrational loading on the deformation behavior of a Zr50Cu46Al4 metallic glass (MG) was characterized via molecular dynamics approaches. High-frequency (1 GHz) vibrational loading was imposed on the elastoplastic deformation stage during the uniaxial tension of the MG conducted at 50 K. It was found that imposing vibrational loading scarcely reduces the average deformation resistance. On the contrary, it results in a notable residual hardening effect after the vibrational loading is removed, which differs significantly from the previously reported acoustic softening mechanisms. Vibrational loading can increase the fraction of STZed atoms and enhance the shear localization degree, which is beneficial to the shear deformation of MGs. Meanwhile, the influence of vibrational loading on the local microstructure of MG is negligible. A plausible explanation of these phenomena is given by considering the accelerated aging of MG stemming from the beta relaxation.