Energieabsorber

An Energieabsorber, or energy absorber, is a device or component designed to dissipate energy in a controlled manner, usually by converting mechanical energy into heat or another non-harmful form. The goal is to reduce peak forces, limit damage, and protect structures, equipment, or occupants during impacts, shocks, or dynamic loads.

Energy absorption occurs through various mechanisms, including plastic deformation, friction, viscoelastic damping, hydraulic or pneumatic fluid flow, and magnetic eddy currents. Based on these mechanisms, absorbers are categorized as mechanical dampers (such as dashpots and sliders), hydraulic or pneumatic shock absorbers, viscoelastic pads, or composite/foam structures. In civil engineering and safety engineering, energy absorbers are used in crash cushions, seismic isolation systems, and energy-absorbing fasteners.

Common applications span automotive, aerospace, civil engineering, sports equipment, packaging, and consumer electronics. Automotive dampers and crash energy management systems, for example, aim to moderate deceleration forces during crashes. In buildings, seismic energy absorbers reduce earthquake-induced forces. In packaging and protective gear, energy absorbers limit damage from drops or impacts.

Key design considerations include the total energy to be absorbed, the desired energy absorption per stroke, peak force constraints, weight, temperature sensitivity, durability, and maintenance needs. Designers must account for loading rate dependence, material aging, and efficiency of energy dissipation under real-world conditions. Energy absorbers are distinct from energy storage devices since their primary function is dissipation, not long-term storage.

See also: damping, shock absorber, dashpot, viscoelastic material, crashworthiness.