Impact Attenuation

In the context of aerospace engineering, impact attenuation refers to the process or mechanism of reducing the severity of an impact or collision. This is particularly important in the design and construction of spacecraft and aircraft, where the ability to withstand and mitigate the effects of impacts, such as those from micrometeoroids or during landing, is crucial for the safety and integrity of the vehicle and its occupants. Impact attenuation can be achieved through various means, including the use of specific materials, structural design techniques, and impact-absorbing systems. For instance, spacecraft may be equipped with Whipple shields, a type of impact attenuator that uses a thin, sacrificial layer to disrupt an incoming micrometeoroid, spreading its impact over a larger area and reducing the damage to the underlying structure. Similarly, landing gear on aircraft and spacecraft often incorporate impact attenuators to absorb the energy of landing and reduce the shock transmitted to the rest of the vehicle.
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