LAUSR

Abstract In this study, molecular dynamics simulation is employed to explore the surface damage of CuZr metallic glass under the impact of nanosized hypervelocity projectile. Collision of the projectile leads to formation of impact-craters, which modulate the surface morphology of the amorphous target. The computations provide a close view of the mechanism of cratering and allow a quantitative analysis of the damage features. In addition, the effect of damage on the mechanical behavior of the material is evaluated through simulated nanoindentation of the impact craters. The simulations reveal that both morphological and mechanical properties of the metallic glass surface depend upon the impact velocity of the nano-projectile.