Temperature dependence of pressure sensitivity in a metallic glass

The constraint factor, C, given by the hardness to the yield strength ratio and an indirect measure of the pressure sensitivity of plastic flow in amorphous alloys, of a Zr-based bulk metallic glass was measured as a function of temperature. Results show that, contrary to expectations, C increases linearly from similar to 3.2 to 3.5 within the 300-525 K range. Gradual transition in the shear band-dominated deformation mechanism was suggested as a possible reason for the observed increase in C. (C) 2007 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.