Effect of alloying elements on the ideal strength and charge redistribution of γ′-Ni3Al: a first-principles study of tensile deformation

Abstract

The ideal strength, which is the minimum stress required to yield a perfect crystal, is fundamental for understanding the mechanical properties of real materials. Using density functional theory, the effect of the alloying elements Ta, W, Re, Mo, and Co on the ideal tensile strength (σ_IT) of γ′-Ni₃Al along three characteristic directions was investigated. By examining the crystal mechanical stability in terms of Born criteria at every single strain during the tensile tests, the σ_IT values of L1₂-Ni₃Al along the [001], [110] and [111] directions are determined to be 12.93 GPa, 7.20 GPa and 25.55 GPa, respectively. The effect of alloying elements on σ_IT shows obvious directionality because of directional interactions between impurities and host atoms. Doping with Ta, W, Re, Mo, and Co increases σ_IT in the [110] direction by 13%, 18%, 21%, 17%, and 5%, respectively. Furthermore, the electronic mechanism underlying the strengthening effect of alloying elements is determined by analyzing the d-orbital partial density of states and charge redistribution.