Mechanical properties and impact energy release characteristics of Al0.5NbZrTi1.5Ta0.8Ce0.85 high-entropy alloy

Abstract To explore the potential of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) as energetic structural materials (ESMs), Al 0.5 NbZrTi 1.5 Ta 0.8 Ce 0.85 high-entropy alloys were prepared by vacuum arc melting. XRD and TEM indicated the coexistence of BCC and FCC structures. SEM images illustrated element segregation in HEA. HEA exhibited excellent mechanical properties and impact energy release characteristics. When the strain rate increased from 10 –3 s −1 to 4500 s −1 , the yield strength increased by 56.2% from 909 MPa to 1420 MPa. Under impact, the threshold of strain rate of HEA was about 1200 s −1 . Ballistic gun tests were performed to investigate the penetration behaviour and energy release characteristics. Al 0.5 NbZrTi 1.5 Ta 0.8 Ce 0.85 could penetrate 6 mm A 3 plate at the speed of 712 m s −1 and ignite the cotton behind the target, combining excellent mechanical properties and impact energy release characteristics.