A quasi-phase perspective on flow units of glass transition and plastic flow in metallic glasses

We describe the activation and evolution processes of flow units for glass transition and plastic flow in metallic glasses using a quasi-phase model. We model the flow units as liquid-like quasi phases embedded in solid-like glassy substrate, and the formation and growth of the liquid-like phases in glasses are treated as a phase transition process. Our model can capture the main features of glass transition and mechanical behavior of metallic glasses and agree with experimental observations. The work may present a new perspective for structural origins of deformation and glass transition of metallic glasses. •The activation and evolution processes of flow units for glass transition and plastic flow in metallic glasses.•We model flow units as liquid-like quasi phases embedded in solid-like glassy substrate.•The formation and growth of flow unit are treated as a phase transition.