Irreversible structural change of an amorphous alloy induced by elastostatic stress and its influence on the mechanical properties

Abstract

The elastic deformation behaviors of amorphous alloys during elastoctatic loading were examined. The elasticity of amorphous alloys consisted of the strain components characterized by ideal elasticity, anelasticity, and viscoelasticity depending on their deformation characteristics. It was found that the strain component associated with viscoelasticity not only is irreversible even upon the removal of the applied stress, but also causes the generation of excess free volume, which in turn alters the mechanical properties. The current experiments validated the earlier theories and postulations stating the feasibility of irreversible structural changes of amorphous alloys in elastic regime. This article discussed on how the properties of amorphous alloys can be altered by the application of elastostatic loading.