The mechanical behavior of the single phase (fcc) CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) is examined in the dynamic regime. A series of experiments by dynamic-loading hat-shaped specimens using stopper rings to control the displacement are performed, and the alloy resists adiabatic shear-band formation up to a very large imposed shear strain of ∼7. It is proposed that the combination of the excellent strain-hardening ability and moderate thermal-softening effect retard shear localization. Recrystallized ultrafine-grained grains (diameters of 100–300 nm) with twins are revealed inside the shear band. Their formation is explained by the rotational dynamic recrystallization mechanism. The stability of the structure at high strain rates strongly suggests a high ballistic resistance for this class of alloys.

Dynamic behavior of the single phase (fcc) Al0.3CoCrFeNi and CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloys (HEAs) was examined. The combination of multiple strengthening mechanisms such as solid solution hardening, cutting forest dislocation, as well as mechanical nano-twinning leads to a high work-hardening rate, compared with conventional alloys. The resistance to shear localization was studied by dynamically-loading hat-shaped specimens to induce forced shear localization. However, no adiabatic shear band could be observed for Al0.3CoCrFeNi HEA at a large shear strain ~1.1. Additionally, shear localization of the CoCrFeMnNi HEA was only found at an even larger shear strain ~7 under dynamic compression. It is therefore proposed that the combination of the excellent strain-hardening ability and modest thermal softening of these two kinds of high-entropy alloys gives rise to remarkable resistance to shear localization, which makes HEAs excellent candidates for impact resistance applications.