US EPA

1439474 

Journal Article 

A review of tungsten-based alloys as kinetic energy penetrator materials 

Cai, WD; Li, Y; Dowding, RJ; Mohamed, FA; Lavernia, EJ 

1995 

3 

71-131 

WOS:A1995VN84200003 

In an effort to replace depleted uranium (DU) alloys,
tungsten-based alloys have emerged as attractive candidate materials for kinetic energy
penetrator applications as a result of their unique combinations of elevated temperature
properties and high density. The ballistic performance of tungsten-based alloys, however, is
inferior to that of DU alloys that currently are standard penetrator materials in the defense
industries. As a result, tungsten-based alloys, particularly tungsten heavy alloys have been
actively investigated with the objective of matching the performance of DU alloys. The primary
approaches that have been used to meet this objective include: processing modifications and
compositional changes. Moreover, the mechanical properties and failure mechanisms, especially
under high strain rate conditions, have also been widely studied. Accordingly, the objective of
this review is to summarize recent results on the development of these materials as kinetic
energy penetrators. To accomplish this objective, a discussion is presented on the properties
that are required for kinetic energy penetrator applications: the relevant penetration
mechanisms; and the fundamental factors that govern adiabatic shear banding or flow localization
phenomena.