Tungsten heavy alloys (WHAs) possess high density, strength and toughness, making them good candidates for kinetic energy penetrator applications. When compared with depleted uranium, another material often used for kinetic penetrators, WHAs exhibit much less adiabatic shear band formation. During ballistic impact, the formation of shear bands produces a “self-sharpening” effect, aiding penetration by minimizing the surface area at the leading edge of the projectile. The average width of the shear band, then, should also be minimized to improve performance.