Thermoplastic joining and assembly of bulk metallic glass composites through capacitive discharge

摘要

Systems and methods for joining BMG Composites are disclosed. Specifically, the joining of BMG Composites is implemented so as to preserve the amorphicity of their matrix phase and the microstructure of their particulate phase. Implementation of the joining method with respect to the construction of modular cellular structures that comprise BMG Composites is also discussed.

主权项

1. A method of joining a plurality of objects comprising:
providing a plurality of objects, each object having at least one metallic glass portion, wherein at least one of the metallic glass portions of at least one of the plurality of objects is formed from a bulk metallic glass composite material having both an amorphous matrix phase and at least one crystalline particulate phase; arranging the objects such that the at least one metallic glass portion of each object is in direct contact with the metallic glass portion of at least one of the other objects to thereby form at least one contact point; applying a compressive load such that a force is exerted between the objects at the at least one contact point; heating an interfacial region immediately surrounding and including each of the at least one contact points in less than about 100 milliseconds to a processing temperature between the glass transition temperature and the liquidus temperature of the BMG composite such that the metallic glass portions of the plurality of objects soften and interfuse to form a joint at the at least one contact point; wherein the heating and joining time is sufficiently short to prevent crystallization of the amorphous matrix and without altering the microstructure morphology of the crystalline particulate phase; and wherein the heating is sufficiently localized within the interfacial region such that the joint can be cooled via conduction through the material surrounding said interfacial region sufficiently fast to ensure re-vitrification of the amorphous matrix phase within the interfacial region.