Definition
Describes a material that behaves like rubber — it can stretch or compress under load and then return to its original shape when the load is removed. In aircraft landing gear, elastomeric components (such as rubber discs or shock rings) are used to absorb landing impact and taxi shocks.
Plain English
Made of a rubber-like material that springs back to its original shape after being squeezed or stretched.
Context Anchor
Seen in landing gear, tire, and brake descriptions when the handbook is referring to rubber-like cushions, pads, seals, or other flexible parts.
Derivation
From 'elastomer,' a blend of 'elastic' (from Greek elastikos, meaning able to stretch and return) and '-mer' (from Greek meros, meaning part — as in polymer). So an elastomeric material is one made of stretchy, springy molecules.
Why Pilots Care
Elastomeric parts absorb landing shocks and vibrations without the leaks or servicing demands of hydraulic struts, improving reliability on many light aircraft and helicopters.
Analogy
An elastomeric part acts somewhat like a rubber doorstop or pencil eraser: it can deform under pressure, but it is meant to return close to its normal shape afterward.
Intuition Check
Elastomeric does not just mean “soft.” It means the material can flex or compress and then return close to its original shape.
Example Sentence 1
The aircraft's main gear uses elastomeric shock discs to absorb the impact of landing.
Example Sentence 2
During preflight, the pilot checked the elastomeric seals around the brake pistons for cracks or swelling.