The effect of the medium-range configuration on the atomistic fracture behaviour of vitreous silica

摘要： Using molecular dynamics simulations, we prepare vitreous silica by quenching molten silica to ambient temperature. Varying the quenching rate, we show that the latter barely influences the short-range order, whereas the medium-range configuration is significantly affected. We subject the prepared silica specimens to tension until fracture occurs and demonstrate the effect on the material behaviour. We evaluate the medium-range configuration in terms of the ring statistics of the glass network structure. Linking the ring statistics with the deformation and fracture behaviour of vitreous silica, we provide a topologically motivated explanation of the material behaviour.