Asynchronous deformation behavior of precipitation-hardened high-entropy alloys shaped charge liner under explosive loading

Precipitation-hardened high entropy alloys (PHEAs) are promising candidates for shaped charge liners (SCLs) due to their potential in obtaining good penetration depth and diameter. Deformation mechanism under explosive is the key to guiding the alloys microstructure, property optimization and shaped charge designing. In this study, the microstructural evolution and deformation mechanism of PHEA SCLs under explosive loading were systematically investigated. Under explosive loading, both the α₂ and BCC matrix phases underwent dynamic recrystallization, transforming into fine equiaxed grains (∼10 μm). The BCC phase deformed earlier than the α₂ phase, exhibiting a clearly asynchronous deformation behavior. This demonstrates that the α₂ phase can effectively improve the deformation resistance upon detonation and further increase jet diameter. Moreover, the α₂ can be retained under explosive conditions, which enables delaying the expansion of the adiabatic shear bands and further improving the jet continuity. Our results shed lights on developing new high-performance alloys and the related microstructure optimization for engineering applications in SCLs.