Crack propagation in metallic glass ribbon as a function of the position of stress concentrators

An amorphous metallic ribbon of Fe₄₀Ni₄₀B₂₀ was used for in-situ observation of the crack propagation and shear band formation during tensile tests. Prior to the tensile tests, two holes (with different positions with respect to the tensile axis) were made by laser ablation as stress concentrators. The nucleation and propagation of shear bands on the ribbon surface during tensile tests were analysed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). At room temperature inhomogeneous plastic deformation of amorphous alloy occurs via the development of primary and secondary shear bands. The influence of the different loading geometry on the topology of shear bands and crack propagation was studied.