Characterization of uniaxial compressive response of bulk amorphous Zr–Ti–Cu–Ni–Be alloy

Uniaxial compressive response of bulk amorphous Zr–Ti–Cu–Ni–Be alloy, also called as Vitreloy-1, was investigated at quasistatic and high strain rates in the range of 10−3 and 103 s−1, respectively. The Vitreloy-1 specimens exhibited elastic response followed by catastrophic fracture along a narrow shear band. The ultimate strength of the specimens varied between 1800 and 2200 MPa irrespective of the strain rate and independent of the aspect ratio of the specimens. The quasistatically deformed specimens fractured into two or three large fragments. The fracture surfaces were relatively smooth and revealed well developed and uniformly distributed veinal pattern. The dynamically loaded specimens, on the other hand, fractured into several fragments with relatively rough fracture surfaces containing nonuniformly distributed and partially developed veinal patterns. Evidence of melting in the form of ‘liquid bubbles’ was also observed along the cracks on the fracture surfaces of the specimens subjected to high strain-rate loading. A comparison of the mechanical response of Vitreloy-1 with other bulk metallic glass systems is also presented.