In-situ microstructural evolution during tensile loading of CoCrFeMnNi high entropy alloy welded joint probed by high energy synchrotron x-ray diffraction

Abstract

The research regarding high entropy alloys (HEAs) has proved them to be suitable for engineering applications. Nevertheless, assessing their processability is key for industrial deployment. Of special relevance in terms of processing techniques arised welding. In this work, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) was chosen as a processing method to attest for the suitability of the equiatomic CoCrFeMnNi HEA for one of the most common real-world mechanical solicitations, tensile loading. We delve into an in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction analysis of the mechanical behavior of a high-performing GTAW CoCrFeMnNi HEA joint. Local analysis of the microstructure evolution, considering the base material, heat affected zone and fusion zone, was performed by tracking changes in the diffracted intensity and lattice strain. Orientation-dependent evolution is highlighted by considering partial azimuthal integration detailing texture impact across the joint. Evidence of strain concentration at specific locations is correlated with the microstructure and overall macroscopic mechanical behavior.