Low-temperature slip along intergrain boundaries

Abstract

Equations are derived for slip in a disordered atomic layer which describe diffusive creep as well as high-speed slip at low temperatures. An exact solution for the slip velocity is found in the form of a functional of the distribution function of the threshold shear stresses in the slip layer. The relationship between the microscopic parameters of the theory and the macroscopic properties of metallic glass is established in terms of the Mott intergrain slip model. The calculated rate of deformation of bulk metallic glass is compared with published experimental data.