A predictive analytical model of electrical transport in multi-principal-element alloys

A predictive analytical model is presented for the electrical conductivity of multi-principal-element alloys (MPEAs), including those containing aluminum, transition metals, and refractory metals. Given that the lattice parameter of the Wigner-Seitz cell of an MPEA is similarly variable to a bulk metallic glass, it is postulated that electron scattering can be approximated by a series of two-level systems. Here, the resulting reduced-order model enabled an accurate determination of electrical resistivity and electron thermal conductivity based on the scattering of electrons in a two-level system across a Bloch-potential-based virtual crystal approximation. Model results are compared to experimental four-point probe electrical resistivity measurements between 300 K and 700 K for Al_0.3CoCrCuFeNi, CoCrFeMnNi, (CoCrFeMnNi)_0.98W_0.02, (CoCrFeMnNi)_0.95W_0.05, and Nb₄Ta₄V₃Ti, for model validation.. Authors: Abere, Michael Joseph Kim [Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)] (ORCID:0000000239016478); Jarzembski, Amun [Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)]; McPherson, Shane L. [Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)]; Huang, Hailong [Ames Laboratory (AMES), Ames, IA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000315279713); McDonald, Anthony E. [Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)] (ORCID:0000000306071945). DOE Contract: NA0003525. Subjects: Analytical model; Electrical conductivity; High entropy alloy; Multi-principal-element alloy; Reduced order model