Predicting yield strengths of noble metal high entropy alloys

Recent data on the Noble metal (Pd-Pt-Rh-Ir-Au-Ag-Cu-Ni) high entropy alloys (HEAs) shows some of these materials to have impressive mechanical properties. Here, a mechanistic theory for the temperature-, composition-, and strain-rate-dependence of the initial yield strength of fcc HEA5 is applied to this alloy class, with inputs obtained through "rule-of-mixtures" models for both alloy lattice and elastic constants. Predictions for PdPtRhIrCuNi are in good agreement with available experiment and the model provides useful insights into this system. The model is then used to explore other alloy compositions within this broad class to guide design of new stronger Noble metal HEA5. (C) 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by. Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.