We report an intriguing observation that the interaction of brittle nanoscale periodic corrugations (NPCs) can lead to the formation of ductile dimples on the dynamic fracture surface of a tough Vit 1 bulk metallic glass (BMG) under high-velocity plate impact. A "beat" phenomenon due to superposition of simple harmonic vibrations, approximately characterizing NPCs, is proposed to explain this unusual brittle-to-ductile transition. The present results agree well with our previously revealed energy dissipation mechanism in the fracture of BMGs.

This paper was published as:
Jiang MQ, Ling Z, Meng JX, Gao JB, Dai LH. Nanoscale Periodic Corrugation to Dimple Transition due to "Beat" in a Bulk Metallic Glass. SCRIPTA MATERIALIA, 62(8):572-575(2010)