The effect of particle shape, size and interface strength on the mechanical properties of HEA/Al composites by 3D finite element simulation

In this work, the mechanical properties of Al-based composites Aluminum Matrix Composites (AMCs) reinforced with high-entropy alloy (HEA) particles of various particle morphologies, sizes, and interface behaviors were thoroughly investigated using ABAQUS finite element simulation. The results revealed that the HEA/Al composites reinforced with small particles exhibited superior strength and ductility under ideal, strong and weak interface conditions. For both cubic and spherical HEA particle-reinforced AMCs, the interfacial damage occurs preferentially in the large-particle-reinforced AMCs and has a faster propagation rate. Under the same interface conditions, the HEA/Al composites reinforced with spherical particles, suffering from a lower degree of interface damage, exhibited higher strength and ductility. The results also revealed that as interface strength decreases, the effect of particle size on the mechanical properties of HEA/Al composites becomes more significant, and the cubic particle-reinforced composites are more sensitive than those of spherical ones. This study provides a theoretical basis for the selection of HEA particles in the HEA/Al composites.