Dynamic response and impact energy release mechanism of (Ti2Zr)1.5NbVAl0.5 high-entropy alloy

ZHENG Heling; WANG Zhanxuan; WANG Mingyang; LI Xiancheng; LI Xintian; LI Zhengkun; XU Lizhi; DU Zhonghua

doi:10.11883/bzycj-2025-0234

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ZHENG Heling, WANG Zhanxuan, WANG Mingyang, LI Xiancheng, LI Xintian, LI Zhengkun, XU Lizhi, DU Zhonghua. Dynamic response and impact energy release mechanism of (Ti2Zr)1.5NbVAl0.5 high-entropy alloy[J]. Explosion And Shock Waves. doi: 10.11883/bzycj-2025-0234

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ZHENG Heling, WANG Zhanxuan, WANG Mingyang, LI Xiancheng, LI Xintian, LI Zhengkun, XU Lizhi, DU Zhonghua. Dynamic response and impact energy release mechanism of (Ti₂Zr)_1.5NbVAl_0.5 high-entropy alloy[J]. Explosion And Shock Waves. doi: 10.11883/bzycj-2025-0234

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Dynamic response and impact energy release mechanism of (Ti₂Zr)_1.5NbVAl_0.5 high-entropy alloy

doi: 10.11883/bzycj-2025-0234

1.
School of Equipment Engineering, Shenyang Ligong University, Shenyang 110159, Liaoning, China
2.
School of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, Jiangsu, China
3.
School of Metallurgy, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, Liaoning, China

Received Date: 2025-07-23
Rev Recd Date: 2026-03-09

Available Online: 2026-03-12

Abstract

Abstract

To overcome the limitations of traditional metallic materials regarding energy-release efficiency under high-velocity impact, this study designed and fabricated a novel single-phase body-centered cubic (BCC) structured lightweight refractory high-entropy alloy (Ti₂Zr)_1.5NbVAl_0.5. The investigation employed a combined approach of multi-scale experimentation and numerical simulation. The as-cast microstructure was characterized, revealing a homogeneous composition with an average grain size of 336.7 μm. Quasi-static and dynamic mechanical tests were conducted to evaluate strength, plasticity, and strain-rate sensitivity, providing data to fit the Johnson-Cook constitutive and damage parameters. Direct ballistic experiments were conducted at impact velocities of 734, 950, and 1375 m/s to analyze fragmentation behavior, temperature evolution, and energy release within a quasi-confined chamber. A coupled finite element method-smoothed particle hydrodynamics (FEM-SPH) numerical model was developed to simulate the penetration process, successfully replicating experimental temperature rises and fragmentation patterns. The results showed that the alloy possesses an excellent strength-plasticity synergy and remarkable strain-rate sensitivity, with yield strength increasing by 123% to 1977.3 MPa at 6000 s⁻¹. Ballistic tests demonstrated that increased impact velocity intensified fragmentation and energy release, achieving a peak chamber temperature of 2124.15 K and extending the release duration to 12 ms at 1375 m/s. Microstructural analysis revealed that the energy release mechanism is governed by dislocation dynamics within adiabatic shear bands (ASBs). At lower impact velocities (e.g., 734 m/s), dynamic recrystallization in ASBs alleviates strain hardening. In contrast, at high velocities (e.g., 1375 m/s), suppressed cross-slip leads to dislocation saturation, local lattice instability, and ultimately severe fragmentation coupled with exothermic oxidation. The study concludes that (Ti₂Zr)_1.5NbVAl_0.5 high-entropy alloy exhibits outstanding dynamic properties and controllable impact-induced energy release, primarily driven by velocity-dependent microstructural evolution in ASBs, demonstrating significant potential as a new-generation energetic structural material for extreme dynamic loading applications.
- high-entropy alloy,
- mechanical property,
- impact energy release,
- adiabatic shearing

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