Shock compression response of a Zr-based bulk metallic glass up to 110 GPa

Shock wave compression experiments were conducted on a Zr-based bulk metallic glass (BMG, Zr₅₁Ti₅Ni₁₀Cu₂₅Al₉ in atomic percent) up to 110 GPa. Time-resolved free-surface velocity profiles were measured in a shock stress range from 18 to 28 GPa with velocity interferometer techniques. The shock Hugoniot data in a shock stress range from 53 to 110 GPa were obtained by using electric pin techniques. The time-resolved wave profiles showed a distinct two-wave structure consisting of an elastic precursor followed by a plastic wave. Based on the obtained wave profiles, the Hugoniot elastic limits were determined to be 6.9 to 9.6 GPa. The shock wave velocity (D_s) vs. particle velocity (u_p) Hugoniot data in a shock stress range from 18 to 110 GPa were linearly fitted by D_s=(4.241±0.035)+(1.015±0.024)u_p. No evidence of phase transition was found in the performed shock experiments of the Zr-based BMG.