High-entropy alloys (HEAs) possess outstanding properties, yet their industrial applications remain limited due to high production costs. High-quality bonding between Al 0.5 CoCrFeNi and AISI 430 stainless steel was achieved via explosive welding (EXW). The key parameters of the preparation stage and detonation process were calculated using the VST equation and FEM-SPH coupled algorithm. The microstructural evolution was characterized using OM, SEM, EDS, and EBSD, while the tensile and shear properties were evaluated. This research investigated the influence of explosive thickness variation on the composition, microstructure, properties, and energy conversion. The results confirmed that the composite fabricated with 25 mm δ 0 exhibited the optimal overall performance and efficiency. With increasing explosive thickness, the interfacial zones (IFZs) evolved from straight to wavy, accompanied by thickened diffusion layers. The IFZ was dominated by fine equiaxed grains formed through dynamic recrystallization, with scattered ultra-fine deformed grains throughout. Kurdjumov-Sachs orientation relationships were observed between adjacent BCC and FCC phases in both the HEA and the mixing zone. The macrozone was formed on the Al 0.5 CoCrFeNi side, contrasting with the homogeneous orientation distribution on the AISI 430 side. The tensile properties and interfacial microhardness of the high-entropy explosive composites (HEECs) improved with increasing explosive thickness, whereas the shear property exhibited a regular decreasing trend. This study combined theoretical calculations, simulations, and experiments to demonstrate that the HEECs fabricated following the lower-limit criterion exhibited superior performance and efficiency. The findings show significant potential to overcome the cost and performance limitations, enabling HEECs applications in aerospace, defense, and related sectors.
Shi et al. (Wed,) studied this question.