1486. Design Consideration for Tungsten Heavy Metal

Paper

Abstract

A basic understanding of the powder metallurgy process utilized in the manufacturing of Tungsten Alloy (Heavy Metal) weights reveals the need for specific design considerations to be taken by the weight designer to effect significant cost saving as related to the cost of the hardware. Obtaining desired center of gravity and specific weight tolerances are achieved without having to increase the cost of manufacturing through close dimensional tolerances and complex geometries. The concept of incorporating simple geometries, maximum material condition envelopes and the segmentation of large weights all contribute to lower cost. Specific examples are discussed. Incorporating the recent additional requirement of heavy metal as an air foil surface has resulted in higher unit cost, however, the utilization of a surface potting material would minimize the added cost factor if surface definition is critical.
The recent demise of Depleted Uranium (DU) as a counter-weight and ballast material has necessitated a critical look at Tungsten Heavy Metal as a viable replacement. When one considers the advantages and disadvantages involved in the use of DU as opposed to Tungsten Heavy Metal, it is shown that Tungsten Heavy Metal is by far more advantageous to use.
In the past, the United States Tungsten industry was approximately 60% dependent upon politically unstable foreign raw material sources. Today, the United States is rapidly becoming self-sufficient with North American sources and will be 100% self-sufficient by 1985.
An understanding of the available physical properties of Heavy Metal and their effect on the specific application are discussed. These properties include UTS, YS % elongation and density. Utilization of the versatile available properties allows for specialized applications when required.