Revealing the dynamic property and energy-release characteristic of WxNbTiZr medium entropy alloys

Z. D. Shen, Z. L. Ma*, S. K. Guo, C. Li, X. W. Cheng

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanical properties and energy release behaviours of WxNbTiZr medium entropy alloys under varying strain rates, ranging from 1 × 10−3 s−1 to 4 × 103 s−1. The results reveal significant strain rate sensitivity, with dynamic loading enhancing the strength of these alloys compared to quasi-static conditions. Notably, the alloys W0.5NbTiZr and W0.75NbTiZr exhibit reduced sensitivity due to their higher density of grain and phase boundaries, which impede dislocation movement. Single-phase alloys (with x ≤ 0.25) do not undergo fragmentation or energy release at any tested strain rates, while dual-phase alloys (W0.5NbTiZr, W0.75NbTiZr, and WNbTiZr) show severe fragmentation and combustion beyond specific strain rate thresholds. Theoretical calculations suggest that higher tungsten content should result in lower energy release, but experimental observations indicate that W0.75NbTiZr releases the least energy, highlighting the importance of microstructure in addition to composition. The fragmentation process is associated with the formation of adiabatic shear bands and microcracks along the pearl chain microstructure, leading to multiple exothermic events. The WNbTiZr alloy, with its prevalent pearl chain structure, demonstrates the most comprehensive properties, emphasizing the significance of integrated alloy design strategies that optimize both composition and microstructure.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)189-199
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Materials Science and Technology
Volume241
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Jan 2026

Keywords

  • Dynamic mechanical property
  • Energetic structural materials
  • Medium entropy alloy

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