Tuning the Mechanical Properties of Shape Memory Metallic Glass Composites with Nature Inspired Designs

We use large-scale molecular dynamics simulations of tensile loading to characterize the deformation and failure of nature inspired shape memory alloys-bulk metallic glass composite (BMGCs) designs. Results show synergy of the two phases resulting in heterogeneous distribution of stress assisted delocalization of plastic deformation. A staggered brick BMGC model displays enhanced ductility with mild strength loss following a rather homogeneous distribution of plastic events. These results reveal that nature inspired BMGC designs can effectively synergize the mechanical properties of metallic glasses and shape memory alloys by delaying the generation of critical shear bands and premature failure while preserving strength.