Depleted Uranium vs tungsten

[tehfrr]

So one of the big advantages to using depleted uranium (DU) rather than tungsten in anti-tank rounds is because a DU projectile will self sharpen upon impact whereas a tungsten projectile will flatten or "pancake".

http://deploymentlink.osd.mil/du_library/how.shtml

What is it about DU that enables this self sharpening property? My best guess is due the pyrophoric nature of uranium, but I assume there has to be more to it. (I am looking for a materials science/chemistry related explanation)

 

[Andrew Mason]

So one of the big advantages to using depleted uranium (DU) rather than tungsten in anti-tank rounds is because a DU projectile will self sharpen upon impact whereas a tungsten projectile will flatten or "pancake".

http://deploymentlink.osd.mil/du_library/how.shtml

What is it about DU that enables this self sharpening property? My best guess is due the pyrophoric nature of uranium, but I assume there has to be more to it. (I am looking for a materials science/chemistry related explanation)

I believe it is because the molecules of uranium metal in contact with the target ignite from the heat and break off and leaving the cooler interior metal intact. So instead of the metal flattening and staying together, the target acts like a kind of pencil sharpener heating up and removing the uranium that it is in contact with.

AM

 

[ravenprp]

The self-sharpening property of depleted uranium (DU) projectiles is due to its high density and unique crystal structure. DU has a density of 19.1 g/cm3, which is significantly higher than tungsten's density of 19.3 g/cm3. This high density allows DU to maintain its shape and resist deformation upon impact.

In addition, DU has a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure, which is different from the body-centered cubic (BCC) crystal structure of tungsten. This FCC crystal structure allows DU to deform and flow more easily upon impact, causing it to sharpen into a pointed shape.

Another important factor is the pyrophoric nature of uranium. When DU is heated to high temperatures, it reacts with oxygen in the air and produces a fine, powdery oxide layer on its surface. This oxide layer acts as a lubricant, reducing friction and allowing the DU projectile to maintain its shape as it penetrates through the target.

In contrast, tungsten has a higher melting point and does not have the same pyrophoric properties as DU. This can cause it to flatten or "pancake" upon impact, reducing its ability to penetrate through armor.

Overall, the combination of high density, unique crystal structure, and pyrophoric nature make depleted uranium an advantageous choice for anti-tank rounds, as it can maintain its shape and penetrate through armor more effectively than tungsten.