Based on the Johnson-Cook model and Gruneisen equation of state, a finite element analysis model was established, and the LS-DYNA software was used to carry out numerical simulation research on the penetration process of tungsten wire reinforced copper-zinc composite materials and tungsten-nickel-iron alloys into steel targets. The deformation of each stage in the tungsten wire is discussed, and the influence of the anisotropy of the tungsten wire on the penetration performance is discussed. The results show that the tungsten wire reinforced copper-zinc composite exhibits obvious self-sharpening phenomenon, which is consistent with the experimental results. During the penetration process, the stress is mainly concentrated on the axial tungsten wire, the stress value reaches 2.5GPa, and the stress of the brass is less than 0.47GPa. The deformation mode is as follows: tungsten wire bends after contracting the target plate. the forced direction of the tungsten wire has changed to a certain angle with the axial direction. The strength and plasticity of the composite are significantly reduced at this direction. With the destroy of deformation areas, a sharp head of the composite penetrator is formed, which shows the characteristics of self-sharpening.