Toolkit for Accelerated Design of Multicomponent Alloys for Extreme Temperature Applications

The demand for materials that can withstand extreme temperatures poses a significant challenge. New energy technologies, like efficient turbines and heat exchangers, require strong materials at high temperatures. Similarly, space exploration requires durable materials at extremely low temperatures. Due to embrittlement at cryogenic temperatures and thermal instability at elevated temperatures, understanding how materials behave in such conditions is crucial. Conventional metallic materials have limits in strengthening, calling for alternative materials. Multicomponent high entropy alloys (HEAs) offer opportunities due to their potential for better strength-ductility combination. HEAs can be used to trigger multiple deformation mechanisms, breaking the strength-ductility trade-off dilemma. The proposed project focuses on understanding and optimizing refractory and precipitation-strengthened HEAs for applications under extreme temperatures (15 to 1500 K). These materials are critical for industries such as aerospace, energy, and advanced manufacturing, where durability and performance at both high and low temperatures are essential. The project aims to understand the underlying deformation mechanisms of HEAs through advanced in-situ experiments using synchrotron and neutron diffraction, combined with computational modelling. By integrating experimental findings with crystal plasticity models, the project seeks to design HEAs with superior mechanical properties, contributing to more sustainable and efficient materials for extreme environments. This research not only advances materials science but also aligns with sustainability goals by reducing the environmental impact of high-performance materials.