Revealing the impact of chemical short-range order on radiation damage in MoNbTaVW high-entropy alloys using a machine-learning potential

Abstract: The effect of chemical short-range order (CSRO) on primary radiation damage in MoNbTaVW high-entropy alloys is investigated using hybrid Monte Carlo/molecular dynamics simulations with a machine-learned potential. We show that CSRO enhances radiation tolerance by promoting interstitial diffusion while suppressing vacancy migration, thereby increasing defect recombination efficiency during recovery stage. However, CSRO is rapidly degraded under cumulative irradiation, with Warren-Cowley parameters dropping below 0.3 at a dose of only 0.03~dpa. This loss of ordering reduces the long-term enhancement of CSRO on radiation resistance. Our results highlight that while CSRO can effectively improve the radiation tolerance of MoNbTaVW, its stability under irradiation is critical to realizing and sustaining this benefit.