Energy absorber

Energy absorber may refer to:

• A panel to absorb the radiant energy of sunlight to heat a fluid, such as solar hot water
• A bolometer, a device to convert electromagnetic radiation and the momentum of energetic particles to thermal energy which in turn is easily measured
• A kinetic-energy absorbing medium, sometimes called a crash pit or runaway truck ramp
• A shock absorber, a device to dampen spring rebound by expending work by forcing a fluid through ports, and so converting the mechanical energy to heat
• A material or device to disperse and dissipate impact energy, such as
  • a protective helmet for sports, motorcycling or bicycling
  • armor such as a ballistic vest for protection in warfare
  • Materials to protect boxed contents during shipping, such as
    • Foam peanuts
    • Bubble wrap
• A portion of vehicle such as an automobile designed to protect the occupants, usually by creating "crumple zones" at each end of the vehicle while preserving a stiff central cage in which the occupants are secured by seat belts and protected by inflatable air bags