Abstract:
This patent discloses a variable force energy dissipater and decelerator designed to manage kinetic energy during impact events by applying a controlled and adaptable resisting force. The invention addresses the need for devices capable of providing variable deceleration profiles in safety-critical environments such as aerospace and structural protection. Finite element analysis is used to evaluate the nonlinear mechanical response of the dissipater, simulating stress propagation, deformation, and energy absorption under dynamic loading. The analysis explores different material and geometric configurations, providing insight into how the device reduces peak loads, redistributes stresses, and enhances structural safety through controlled deformation. Sensitivity studies confirm the adaptability of the device across a range of impact conditions, and comparisons of numerical approaches verify the robustness of the simulation results. The findings demonstrate the utility of finite element analysis in optimizing design parameters and validating performance of the dissipater, highlighting its role in reducing reliance on physical testing and ensuring reliability of impact mitigation systems.
