Temperature dependence of elastic and plastic deformation behavior of a refractory high-entropy alloy

The present work discovers the unique deformation behavior of a refractory high-entropy alloy at elevated temperatures. Single-phase solid-solution refractory high-entropy alloys (HEAs) show remarkable mechanical properties, such as their high yield strength and substantial softening resistance at elevated temperatures. Hence, the in-depth study of the deformation behavior for body-centered cubic (BCC) refractory HEAs is a critical issue to explore the uncovered/unique deformation mechanisms. We have investigated the elastic and plastic deformation behaviors of a single BCC NbTaTiV refractory HEA at elevated temperatures using integrated experimental efforts and theoretical calculations. The in situ neutron diffraction results reveal a temperature-dependent elastic anisotropic deformation behavior. The single-crystal elastic moduli and macroscopic Young’s, shear, and bulk moduli were determined from the in situ neutron diffraction, showing great agreement with first-principles calculations, machine learning, and resonant ultrasound spectroscopy results. Furthermore, the edge dislocation–dominant plastic deformation behaviors, which are different from conventional BCC alloys, were quantitatively described by the Williamson-Hall plot profile modeling and high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy.