Bulk Metallic Glass Research

Here are some of the things I accomplished as a part of my Materials Science Research!

Hypothesis/Initial Premise

Thermal clock testing within the glass transition temperature (GTT) range of a zirconium–titanium bulk metallic glass (BMG) revealed data inconsistencies caused by temperature nonuniformity and disruption of isothermal conditions during sample handling. It was therefore hypothesized that maintaining continuous thermal contact between the specimen and the heated salt bath would improve repeatability and accuracy of thermal clock measurements. To test this premise, a custom low-carbon steel sample holder was designed to mechanically secure the BMG specimen while suspending it within the molten salt, enabling localized thermoplastic deformation without disturbing isothermal conditions. This approach directly supports aerospace applications by demonstrating the feasibility of localized shaping of high-strength, lightweight amorphous alloys, enabling deployable, foldable, or morphable aerostructures where precise, stepwise deformation and structural integrity are critical.

Thermal Considerations / Experimental Limits

Thermoplastic forming of the zirconium–titanium bulk metallic glass was constrained by heat loss and thermal clock limitations within the glass transition regime (Tg ≈ 425 °C). During folding and manipulation in the molten salt bath, conductive heat transfer to metallic tooling acted as a localized heat sink, reducing the effective time available for deformation before stiffening or crystallization occurred. Tooling geometries and contact areas were therefore minimized, and folding operations were executed rapidly to preserve thermal clock margin. These limitations highlight the sensitivity of localized BMG forming to thermal management and impose practical constraints on achievable fold complexity and dwell time during deformation

Various Design Iterations for the shapes to press and fit the BMG into specific angles and shapes

Stamp Press Block

CAD model of a flat press block used to apply uniform compressive loading during thermoplastic deformation of bulk metallic glass (BMG) samples to achieve a 180° fold. Assumes rigid tooling, planar contact, and negligible elastic deformation of the press block relative to the specimen. Tool geometry and contact area were selected to minimize heat sinking and preserve local thermal equilibrium within the molten salt bath.

BMG Sample Fastener

CAD model of an angled press block designed to mechanically secure and pin thin BMG sheets during localized heating and folding operations. The tool functions as a fastener rather than a forming die, maintaining alignment and positional stability of the specimen during deformation. Assumes rigid contact surfaces, quasi-static loading, and controlled thermal mass to limit heat extraction from the BMG during immersion in the molten salt.

V-Groove Press

CAD model of a V-groove press tool developed as an initial attempt to induce a nominal 90° fold in thermoplastically softened BMG sheets. The geometry is intended to localize deformation along a defined crease line. Assumes symmetric loading, ideal alignment, and deformation confined to the heated region, with tooling geometry designed to reduce conductive heat loss and mitigate premature cooling at the fold interface.

Folding Vise, separated

Exploded CAD view of the custom folding vise illustrating the base, threaded actuator, press head, and fasteners used to apply controlled displacement during BMG forming. Assumes rigid-body behavior of tooling components, negligible compliance in threaded interfaces, and deliberate separation of high-thermal-mass components from the active deformation zone to reduce heat-sink effects.

Folding Vise Assembly

Assembled CAD model of the folding vise used to impose precise, repeatable bends in bulk metallic glass specimens prior to molten salt immersion. Assumes quasi-static operation, axial loading through the threaded actuator, consistent force transmission to the specimen, and thermal design considerations to minimize conductive heat loss from the BMG during forming within the molten salt bath.

Page updated

Report abuse