Thermodynamic origins of shear band formation and the universal scaling law of metallic glass strength

We report a universal scaling law, τy=3R(Tg-RT)/V, that uncovers an inherent relationship of the yield strength τy with the glass transition temperature Tg and molar volume V of metallic glasses. This equation is derived from fundamental thermodynamics and validated by various metallic glasses with well-defined yielding. The linearity between τy and Tg demonstrates the intrinsic correlation between yielding and glass-liquid transition, which contributes to the basic understanding of the strength and deformation of glassy alloys. © 2009 The American Physical Society.