Bond-orientational correlation in liquids and glasses

The nature of atomic bond-orientational anisotropy and order in liquids and glasses is considered based upon recent molecular dynamics studies. A possibility of spin-glass-like freezing of the local bond-orientational order (BOO) parameter is demonstrated. A close relationship between the anelasticity of metallic glasses and BOO through the response of BOO to stresses is discussed. It is suggested that stresses may be in part mediating interactions between the local BOO parameters.