On the anelasticity and strain induced structural changes in a Zr-based bulk metallic glass

We report on the anelastic behavior of a cyclically loaded Zr62.5Fe5Cu22.5Al10bulk metallic glass well below its yield strength. The dynamic mechanical behavior of the glass is discussed on the basis of its structural and thermodynamic properties before and after tests. We show how the kinetically frozen anelastic deformation accumulates at room temperature and causes a structural relaxation and densification of the glass and further leads to its partial crystallization.