Properties of Corprene, revisited

Area of Science:

• Acoustics
• Materials Science
• Ocean Engineering

Background:

• Corprene is a vital acoustic isolation material used in underwater applications.
• Previous research by Higgs and Eriksson established baseline properties for Corprene.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate empirical relations for Corprene's acoustic properties (density, sound speed, attenuation) under varying pressures.
• To accurately measure the compressibility and hysteresis of modern Corprene material.
• To validate the long-term stability of Corprene's acoustic characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing historical data from Higgs and Eriksson.
• Developing empirical relations based on acoustic and pressure parameters.
• Conducting laboratory measurements of compressibility and hysteresis on recent Corprene samples.

Main Results:

• Established empirical relations accurately estimate Corprene's density, sound speed, and acoustic attenuation across a wide pressure range.
• Laboratory measurements of compressibility and hysteresis for recent Corprene material were obtained.
• Newly reported data align with historical findings, confirming material consistency over 40 years.

Conclusions:

• The empirical relations provide a reliable method for predicting Corprene's acoustic behavior under hydrostatic pressure.
• Corprene remains a stable and predictable acoustic isolation material, consistent with decades-old data.
• Accurate compressibility data are essential for submersible variable ballast calculations at depth.