Superior dynamic shear properties and deformation mechanisms in a high entropy alloy with dual heterogeneous structures

Both heterogeneous grain structure and dual nanoprecipitates were designed in a Al_0.5 Cr_0.9FeNi_2.5V_0.2 high entropy alloy (HEA), and the dynamic shear responses were investigated by hat-shaped specimens in split Hopkinson pressure bar tests. The present HEA with heterogeneous structure displays an unprecedented synergy of dynamic shear strength and ductility, as compared to the literature data for other metals and alloys. The excellent dynamic shear properties in the unaged samples could be due to the dynamical grain refinement, the dislocations hardening, and the precipitation hardening. The aged samples with a higher volume fraction of coherent L1₂ nanoprecipitates display even better dynamic shear properties, as compared to the unaged samples, which can be attributed to the triggered planar dislocation slip, the stored higher density of dislocations, the formation of dislocation substructure and the more pronounced precipitation hardening for postponing the occurrence of the adiabatic shear band (ASB). The high strain rate, high strain/stress magnitude, high adiabatic temperature rise, and fast-cooling process within ASB were observed to induce the dynamic recrystallization and the phase transformation from FCC phase to B2 phase, and this newly observed phase transformation phenomenon was not observed before under quasi-static deformation conditions.