Mechanistic insights into deformation, load redistribution, and stress partitioning in high-strength dual-phase medium-entropy alloys

Gu, G. H.*; Ha, H.*; Harjo, S.   ; Gong, W.   ; Louzguine-Luzgin, D. V.*; Kim, H. S.*

High-strength structural alloys are essential for advanced engineering. This study explores the mechanical behavior of a dual-phase AlCoNiV medium-entropy alloy (MEA) with FCC and BCC phases. The alloy shows excellent performance, with a yield strength of 1148 MPa, tensile strength of 1556 MPa, and 40% uniform elongation. In-situ neutron diffraction and EBSD analyses reveal that strength originates from the intrinsic responses of both phases. The BCC phase carries more load, while dislocation buildup at phase boundaries enhances strength via hetero-deformation-induced (HDI) strengthening. Synergistic effects, including stress partitioning and load redistribution, further improve mechanical performance. These findings highlight the role of phase-specific properties and interphase interactions in alloy robustness and offer insights for microstructural optimization.