An Elastomeric Ejection System

Abstract

Abstract The ability of elastomers to store large quantities of energy, which can subsequently be recovered very quickly, makes them attractive materials for propulsion devices. Recently the U.S. Navy has developed a torpedo ejection system based on an elastomeric mechanical capacitor. The criteria governing selection of a material for this application include high elastic energy, sufficient fatigue life, minimal creep, and resistance to deterioration by seawater. This paper describes various approaches to obtaining these material properties.