Lindemann-like rule between average thermal expansion coefficient and glass transition temperature for metallic glasses

The correlations between the average linear thermal expansion coefficient < alpha > and glass transition temperature T-g and between GV(m) (G is shear modulus and V-m is molar volume) and T-g for a variety of metallic glasses (MGs) were investigated. A Lindemann-like equation, < alpha > x T-g = 0.75 x 10(-2), is observed, indicating that the glass transition of MGs follows Lindemann-like rule. The relationship provides a new perspective to understand the mechanism of glass transition and a simple method to predict T-g for a given MG. Additionally, T-g is found to vary linearly with GV(m), implying that an inherent relevance between glass transition and plastic deformation of MGs.