Metallic glass foams: a macroscopic glass model?

The intriguing nature and unique physical characteristics of the glassy (amorphous) state has captivated condensed matter physicists for decades. Using real-time microtomography, scientists visualised highly-random metallic glass foams submitted to progressive loads. These foams present glass-like elastic features and are therefore an accurate macroscopic model for the response of real glass to applied loads.

Metallic glass foam: (left) without load; (right) with a pressure of 100 MPa (Image credit: M.D. Demetriou, copyright 2007 M.D. Demetriou.).

Further information:

• ESRF news item: Metallic glass foam: a macroscopic glass model?
• Ref.: M.D. Demetriou et al., Advanced Materials 19, 1957-1962 (2007).