Abstract: Through the finite element simulation on the Vickers indentation deformation of Zr55Al10Cu30Ni5 amorphous alloy by using DEFORM 3D software, the distribution of effective stresses and strains on the different regions in an indent are investigated. The results of simulation indicate that the effective stress and strain under the tip of indenter are larger than that under the edges, and they are both larger than that on the surface regions enclosed by the neighboring edges. Some points are chosen on the edge and surface regions for the tracking investigation of effective stresses and strains, from which the variation of effective stresses and strains is obtained. Furthermore, it is found that the decreased amplitude of effective stress and strain on the surface regions is larger than that on the edge region. The simulation results are helpful to explaining the experimental fact that different crystallization behaviors occur on the different deformation regions in a Vickers indent and understanding the mechanical stability of an amorphous alloy.

Key words: Amorphous alloys, Finite element simulation, Mechanical stability, Plastic deformation