Lindemann-like rule between average thermal expansion coefficient and glass transition temperature for metallic glasses

Abstract

The correlations between the average linear thermal expansion coefficient < α > and glass transition temperature Tg and between GVm (G is shear modulus and Vm is molar volume) and Tg for a variety of metallic glasses (MGs) were investigated. A Lindemann-like equation, <α > ×Tg = 0.75 × 10−2, is observed, indicating that the glass transition of MGs follows Lindemann-like rule. The relationship provides a new perspective to understand the mechanism of glass transition and a simple method to predict Tg for a given MG. Additionally, Tg is found to vary linearly with GVm, implying that an inherent relevance between glass transition and plastic deformation of MGs.