Origin of the non-linear elastic behavior of silicate glasses

For small tension the response of a solid to an applied stress is given by Hooke’s law. Outside this linear regime relation between and strain no longer universal at present there satisfactory insight on how connect for disordered materials stress-strain microscopic properties system. Here we use atomistic computer simulations establish connection case silicate glasses containing alkali modifiers. By probing in highly non-linear curve depends composition, are able identify mechanisms that responsible complex dependence these systems, notably presence unexpected quasi-plateau tangent modulus. We trace back mobility modifiers which, without leaving their cage or modifying topology network, relieve local stresses. Since identified mechanism general, results obtained study will also be helpful understanding mechanical other materials.