In this work, by involving high-energy scanning X-ray diffraction strain mapping, we identify and distinguish between structural and elastic heterogeneity in the extremely rejuvenated metallic glasses under triaxial compression. Microindentation hardness hints at an unsymmetrical hardening/softening picture and further reveals the complementary effects of stress and structure modulation. Our results suggest that simultaneous stress and structural modulation can be used to enhance rejuvenation beyond the limits known to date, and may therefore aid in the design of MGs with enhanced ductility and strain-hardening capability.
- Daniel Şopu
- Florian Spieckermann
- Jürgen Eckert