Enhanced spall strength of an Al0.1CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy by the pre-strain method

•The spall strength of Al0.1CoCrFeNi HEA is improved via pre-strain.•Pre-strain smears elastic–plastic transition upon shock loading.•Pre-strain affects the spatial features of damage evolution in Al0.1CoCrFeNi HEA. The effects of pre-strain on spallation damage of an Al0.1CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy are investigated with plate impact loading. During the pre-strain process, Kink bands and dislocations are generated in the microstructures. Pre-strain smears elastic–plastic transition upon shock loading and improves spall strength via dislocation strengthening. Although the level of pre-strain does not affect the ductile damage mode, it has a pronounced effect on damage evolution.