ablator

An ablator is a device or material designed to perform ablation, the controlled removal or erosion of material from a surface. In aerospace and engineering, ablators are a core component of thermal protection systems for spacecraft and reentry vehicles. They absorb extreme heat and gradually erode, carrying heat away with the eroded material to protect the underlying structure. Common ablative materials include phenolic-impregnated carbon ablator (PICA) and Avcoat, which are designed to balance mechanical strength during ascent and controlled degradation during peak heating.

In medicine, an ablator refers to a device used to destroy tissue through ablation. Ablation techniques are employed to treat a variety of conditions, including cardiac arrhythmias, tumors, and abnormal skin or mucous membranes. Ablator devices utilize energy sources such as radiofrequency, microwave, laser, cryogenic freezing, or ultrasound to selectively remove or disable targeted tissue. The choice of method depends on the tissue type, desired depth of treatment, and safety considerations, with imaging guidance (for example, ultrasound or CT) commonly used to improve precision.

The term ablator thus covers a range of materials and devices that achieve tissue or material removal through controlled erosion or energy delivery. In both engineering and medical contexts, the goal is to achieve effective protection or therapeutic effect while minimizing collateral damage. See also ablation, thermal protection system, and various energy-based ablation techniques.