Characterization of nanoscale mechanical heterogeneity in a metallic glass by dynamic force microscopy

Y. H. Liu, D. Wang, K. Nakajima, W. Zhang, A. Hirata, T. Nishi, A. Inoue, M. W. Chen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

329 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We report nanoscale mechanical heterogeneity of a metallic glass characterized by dynamic force microscopy. Apparent energy dissipation with a variation of ∼12%, originating from nonuniform distribution of local viscoelasticity, was observed. The correlation length of the heterogeneity was measured to be ∼2.5nm, consistent with the dimension of shear transformation zones for plastic flow. This study provides the first experimental evidence on the nanoscale viscoelastic heterogeneity in metallic glasses and may fill the gap between atomic models and macroscopic glass properties.

Original languageEnglish
Article number125504
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume106
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011 Mar 23
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy(all)

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