Correlation between strain rate sensitivity and α relaxation of metallic glasses

An inherent correlation between the strain rate sensitivity and α relaxation of metallic glasses (MGs) is observed. This correlation can be attributed to the secondary term which incorporates the nonaffine displacements of atoms in the analytical expression of the elastic modulus of amorphous solids. The observed correlation supports the proposition that stress and temperature play equivalent role in the glass transition of MGs. Besides, an ideal liquid state of MGs is observed in the supercooled liquid region when they are deformed below a critical loading rate. This observation would benefit the application of MGs in the fabrication of micro parts for MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems).