Shear Induced Fluidization Of Thermal Amorphous Solids

TL;DR

This study uses computer simulations to explore how shear forces induce fluidization in thermal amorphous solids, revealing the transition from solid-like to liquid-like behavior and residual stresses.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the microscopic dynamics and rheological properties of sheared thermal glasses, highlighting the fluidization process and memory effects.

Findings

Particle mobility increases with strain indicating fluidization

Relaxation time decreases significantly up to yielding point

Persistent residual stress remains after shear removal

Abstract

We study the shear induced fluidization of amorphous solids subjected to external loading by investigating the relaxation dynamics of the deformed states using computer simulation. A simple shear deformation is employed at constant rate to the thermal glassy materials. The shear localization and the plastic deformation heterogeneity with strain is investigated in terms of the non-affine displacement field. The mean square displacement shows an enhanced mobility of the particles with strain, indicating the fluidization of the material. Using the time correlation function we estimate the relaxation time of the sheared glasses. A significant decrease in the relaxation time is observed up to the yielding point as the material loses its solid nature and eventually becomes liquid-like. Finally, the imprint of memory of the quiescent sample on the rheological properties of the shear melted glass is investigated by computing the relaxation of the shear stress. We find a finite persistent residual stress that outlasts the experimental observation time in our system.