Deformation evolution of a Zr-based bulk metallic glass under three-point bending tests

Bending tests have been used extensively to assess the plastic deformation behavior of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs), however, a detailed experimental investigation of the deformation evolution of BMGs during such bending tests have been rarely reported. In the present work, the deformation evolution of a Zr-based BMG during three-point bending has been studied, and four distinct deformation evolution stages have been observed. After the elastic stage (stage I), the specimen starts to undergo some local plastic deformation while the bending curve still manifests an "elastic" state (stage II). In stage III, the specimen undergoes relatively stable plastic deformation. Finally, in stage IV, more plastic deformation occurs on the tensile side of the bending specimen resulting in the final fracture of the specimen. The current findings provide a fundamental understanding of the deformation mechanisms of BMGs under bending tests, which lays down a good foundation for further investigation of the deformation behavior of BMGs under more complex stress states.