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08:55
Methods of Ex Situ and In Situ Investigations of Structural Transformations: The Case of Crystallization of Metallic Glasses
Published on: June 7, 2018
Spatially resolved distribution function and the medium-range order in metallic liquid and glass
1Ames Laboratory – US Department of Energy, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA.
Scientific Reports
|February 23, 2012
Summary
Researchers developed an atomic cluster alignment method to study topological ordering in metallic liquids. This technique reveals medium-range order development as liquids cool into glasses, offering insights into glass transitions and metallic glass structures.
Area of Science:
- Physical Science
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Describing the structure of disordered systems is a significant challenge in physical science.
- Understanding the transition from liquid to glass states is crucial for materials development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce an atomic cluster alignment method for analyzing topological ordering in undercooling metallic liquids.
- To investigate the development of medium-range order (MRO) in metallic glasses during the glass transition.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing molecular dynamics (MD) simulation trajectories of a Cu(64.5)Zr(35.5) alloy.
- Applying an order-mining technique based on atomic cluster alignment.
Main Results:
- Observed the development of MRO in the metallic liquid approaching the glass transition.
- Identified Bergman triacontahedron packing around Cu sites, extending to the fourth shell.
- Revealed an interpenetrating backbone network formed by this MRO in the metallic glass.
Conclusions:
- The atomic cluster alignment method successfully reveals topological ordering in metallic glasses.
- Bergman-type MRO plays a key role in the structure of metallic glasses near the glass transition.
- Established a link between the topological ordering in metallic glasses and quasicrystals.
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