Is tungsten stronger than depleted uranium?

A byproduct of nuclear reactor fuel, depleted uranium was harder and denser than existing tungsten-tipped penetrators. The pyrophoric nature of uranium and steel would cause the DU to catch fire upon penetration, causing catastrophic damage inside the tank.

How effective is depleted uranium armor?

Depleted uranium is roughly 0.7 times as radioactive as natural uranium, and its high density makes it ideal for armor-piecing rounds such as the PGU-14 and certain tank shells. Whether exposure to depleted uranium causes adverse health effects has been debated.

Is uranium better than tungsten for anti-armor weapons?

Yes , uranium is better at anti armor because with medium and heavy armor the tungsten mushrooms before effectively penetrating the armor. Tungsten is reserved for anti aircraft.

Why is depleted uranium a better APFSDS penetrator than tungsten?

There are different reasons why DU is a better APFSDS penetrator material than tungsten. Firstly, depleted uranium is pyrophoric, and tungsten not. This means DU will have some incendiary effect, which tungsten does not have. This increases the so-called ‘behind armour damage’ or BAD.

What is the difference between tungsten and DU weapons?

DU has better penetration qualities than Tungsten. Hardened steel tend to flatten or shatter upon impact. Whereas a tungsten rod deforms and mushrooms upon impact, making it progressively blunter. To understand why DU makes a good anti-tank weapon you have to enter the Alice In Wonderland world of high-energy collisions.

Why is depleted uranium so dangerous?

Firstly, depleted uranium is pyrophoric, and tungsten not. This means DU will have some incendiary effect, which tungsten does not have. This increases the so-called ‘behind armour damage’ or BAD. Secondly, as already mentioned in another answer, DU has a so-called ‘self-sharpening’ property.