Understanding the correlation between atomic-scale structural/elastic fluctuations and local plastic rearrangements (shear transformation zone (STZ)) is essential to the widespread use of metallic glasses (MGs). We report a strategy to control the local stress state and enhance the shear stability of MGs. The enhanced degree of structural/elastic heterogeneities relates to the increased nonaffine thermal strain of the short- and medium-range order. We demonstrate that variations in the stress field around STZ affect their dynamics and percolation process, the progressive formation of shear bands, and, consequently, the macroscopic deformability of MGs. This work paves a new way for designing ductile MGs.
- Xilei Bian
- Daniel Şopu
- Jürgen Eckert
