Discrete drops in the electrical contact resistance during nanoindentation of a bulk metallic glass

Simultaneous measurement of the electrical contact resistance (ECR) during nanoindentation of a Pd-based bulk metallic glass (BMG) shows discontinuities in the current during the loading segment. Through an analysis of the effective change in the contact area that occurs due to the plastic flow via shear banding, we show that the current surges, which are synchronous with the displacement bursts, are associated with shear band nucleation and/ or propagation. The potential of nano-ECR measurements for monitoring plastic events in BMGs is discussed. Published by AIP Publishing.