Abstract

Three kinds of rubber compounds were prepared, and their underwater acoustical properties were investigated for anechoic coating. Dynamic mechanical properties of the rubber compounds were measured using a dynamic mechanical analyzer and extended to 100 kHz using time–temperature superposition. The sound speed, reflection coefficient, and attenuation constant were calculated. Silicone rubber showed the lowest reflection coefficient, and nitrile rubber showed the highest attenuation constant. The acoustic properties of nitrile rubber compounds with various compositions were investigated. The sound speed, reflection coefficient, and transmission coefficient of the nitrile rubber in the frequency range of 200–1000 kHz were measured in a water-filled tank.

Keywords: silicone rubber;butyl rubber;nitrile rubber;time-temperature superposition;sound speed;reflection coefficient;attenuation constant