A thin, flexible sheet of rubber, metal, or fabric clamped around its edges. It deflects in response to pressure differences, acting as a dynamic seal that requires no sliding lubrication. They are widely used in pumps, regulators, and pneumatic actuators to isolate fluids while transmitting force.
Heard on the job
The pump lost suction because the rubber diaphragm ruptured from chemical exposure.
Insider tip
Metal diaphragms are used for extreme pressures or temperatures where elastomers would melt or blow out.