High strain-rate compressive deformation behavior of the Al0.1CrFeCoNi high entropy alloy

High entropy alloy is a new class of structural metallic materials. No work, so far, has been carried-out to understand high strain-rate plastic deformation behavior and resulting microstructure. This work focuses on understanding the deformation behavior of an Al0.1CrFeCoNi HEA at high strain-rate (HSR). HSR plastic deformation in compression mode was carried out using split-Hopkinson pressure bar. The pre- and post-deformation microstructures were studied using electron microscopes. A high strain-rate sensitivity of yield strength, significant work hardening, and profuse twinning are main characteristics observed during deformation of the alloy at HSR. Overall, the deformation behavior of the alloy was consistent with low stacking fault energy materials. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.