Microstructure and Dynamic Properties of a Refractory High-entropy Alloy

Many applications in the defense and aerospace industries require new materials with exceptional properties in extreme environments. Among structural metals for service at elevated temperatures and dynamic strain rates, refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) have emerged as a promising candidate. We explore one such alloy, equimolar NbTaTiVZr, with a combined computational and experimental approach. We combine computational thermodynamics with gun-driven spallation experiments to understand the interaction between alloy processing, microstructural features, and dynamic tensile strength. By identifying microstructures that compromise the mechanical properties, this methodology highlights adjustments to the alloy composition and processing pathway that could be made to improve performance. Molecular dynamics and gun-driven experiments collectively map the shock Hugoniot of the RHEA. This study provides insight into the dynamic properties of a promising new alloy system and suggests further steps to optimize it for applications in extremes of temperature and strain rate.