Elastic anomalies enabled by lattice distortion in high entropy alloys
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Abstract
Abstract Elastic anomalies, such as the Elinvar effect, large recoverable elastic strain, and nonlinear superelasticity, offer significant potential for engineering applications. High entropy alloys (HEAs) have recently emerged as a model system for investigating such unconventional elastic behaviors. In this Perspective, we review recent advances regarding lattice distortion enabled elastic anomalies in HEAs. We elucidate the origin of the Elinvar effect, where heterogeneous lattice strain fields counteract thermoelastic softening and stabilize elastic moduli over a broad temperature range. Furthermore, we discuss non-hysteretic superelasticity arising from severe lattice distortion, achieving a large elastic strain limit of ~ 2% with minimal energy dissipation. Finally, we address the transition from Hookean to non-Hookean superelasticity through the framework of distortion regulated martensitic transformation. Collectively, this work demonstrates that lattice distortion serves as a critical structural mechanism for tailoring elastic responses and guiding the design of advanced superelastic materials.
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