Résumé:

We present the study of the behaviour of amorphous silica under compression within the framework of computer simulations. In contrast to previous similar numerical works, our investigation is an exploratory study using finite-range pair-potential in order to get insight into the structural modications on both local and intermediate length scales when the pressure/density is increased. We have hence identified the characteristic bond distances and angles of Si-coordination polyhedra (SiO5 and SiO6) formed under high pressure. We wiil equally consider the plastic deformation upon applied stress and discuss the nature of this deformation upon loading and unloading.