Why Does Depleted Uranium Self-Sharpen in Anti-Tank Rounds?

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Depleted uranium (DU) has a significant advantage over tungsten in anti-tank rounds due to its self-sharpening property upon impact. This characteristic is attributed to the pyrophoric nature of uranium, which allows the metal to ignite from the heat generated during contact with a target. As the DU penetrates, the heated molecules break off, maintaining a sharper edge rather than flattening, as seen with tungsten projectiles. This self-sharpening effect enhances the effectiveness of DU projectiles in armor penetration, making them a preferred choice in military applications. The discussion seeks a deeper materials science explanation for this phenomenon, emphasizing the unique behavior of uranium in high-temperature scenarios.
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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)
 
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tehfrr said:
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
 
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