Re: Letter to Congressman McDermott by Leuren Moret

[John Andrews <andrewsjp@chartertn.net>]

Phil Hypes wrote:



> I'm certain some fraction of the penetrator's mass is vaporized and 

> burns, but it's propably usually a *very* small fraction.  Most DU 

> rounds that pass completely through an armored vehicle come out the 

> other side looking like they could be reloaded and fired again.  They 

> are that unaffected by passing through the target.

>

> Any burning DU is a trivial concern inside an armored vehicle that has 

> been hit by a DU round.  The shrapnel, hydrualic fluids, and other 

> life-threatening hazards are the real concern, not a few measley 

> particles of DU.

>

> Phil Hypes

> Los Alamos Radiation Consultants

> laradcon@hotmail.com

> 505.920.9712



Phil, your experience and mine differ a little I guess.  Thin armour 

will not stop a large penetrator.  Tanks use penetrators designed to 

penetrate up to 2 feet of steel or more.  When this happens, there is 

nothing left to come out the other side.  Light armour, of course will 

not stop a large penetrator.  Smaller penetrators used in smaller guns 

are designed for this application.  I guess it all depends on the size 

of the round and the thickness and construction of the armour that it is 

used against.  In any case the DU will burn intensly but may not be 

consumed entirely.  Rounds that impact the earth seem to not burn as 

readily and may be left intact after plowing a long furrow.



Best wishes.

John Andrews

Knoxville, Tennessee







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