Influence of thermodynamics and local geometry on glass formation in Zr based alloys

A theoretical approach for predicting glass forming ability of transition metal alloys is proposed. This is an attempt for synergistic understanding of the effects of thermodynamics and local geometry on glass forming ability. The enthalpy of formation has been estimated by a modified Miedema's model and used as a criterion for stability. The lattice strain energy has been estimated by a modified Miracle's model. The coordination numbers of the solute centered clusters have been used for establishing a set of inequalities that demarcate geometrically favored composition regimes. Glass formation within the geometrically favored areas is dictated by thermodynamics. © 2008 American Institute of Physics.