Simulation of growth of Ni-Zr interfacial amorphous regions under nonequilibrium conditions

We have simulated the response of an interfacial amorphous region formed between nickel and zirconium lattices upon temperature increase or the application of uniaxial load by means of molecular-dynamics simulation of a model system based on ann-body potential. The behavior of the amorphous region has been investigated as a function of the load intensity and duration. The system reacts upon uniaxial load application with the growth of the amorphous interface. This has been related to the structural change occurring in the glassy region in the form of a density variation consequent to the introduction of excess free volume. These findings are qualitatively consistent with the current hypothesis invoked to explain diffusion and growth of interfacial amorphous regions formed upon load application on bulk diffusion couples.