ABSTRACT
Molecular dynamics simulations of uniaxial tension in a two-dimensional model of a metallic glass exhibit shear localization. The structure of this model system is characterized based on the short range ordering, arising from the underlining quasi-crystalline packing order. Atoms with quasi-crystalline order cluster together to form quasi-crystallites, which embed inside the amorphous matrix. Regions of the sample with quasi-crystalline order tend to have more resistance to deformation, while regions with pure amorphous structure tend to deform more easily. The existence of quasi-crystallites inside the glass, and their evolution during deformation, appears to induce the instability of shear banding in this system.