: how is a aircraft carrier catapult able to launch a 14,550 kg jet to such speeds in mere seconds?

Question

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In: 6

Answer 1

Steam pistons and hydraulic cylinders. A small volume of steam at extremely high pressure expands to many times it’s original volume when the pressure is reduced. That expansion pushes the cylinder which pulls the plane quickly down the flight deck.

Think of the fizzy overflow that happens when you shake a carbonated bottle. The small volume of co2 gas causes a large expansion when the bottle top releases the pressure inside the bottle.