Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the effect of similar elements on the shortto medium-range atomic packing features in Ce 70 Al 30 and La 70 Al 30 glass-forming alloys. 4f electrons of Ce element in Ce 70 Al 30 alloy were properly treated in electronic calculations. The local atomic structures in both alloys are qualitatively similar. However, the local environments of Al atoms in Ce 70 Al 30 alloy show fluctuation with temperature in the cooling process, which could result from 4f electrons of Ce elements. Surprisingly, the medium-range atomic packing features of Al atoms in both MGs are quite different, although Ce and La elements are similar. These findings are useful for understanding the enhanced glass-forming ability by similar element substitution in RE-based MGs from a medium-range structure perspective.
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