Nitinol impact absorbers

A method of absorbing impact, comprising:

• interposing an impact absorbing structure between a protected item and an impacting force, said impact absorbing structure having at least one Nitinol member having a grounded portion in contact with a first structure positioned to engage said protected item, and an impact absorbing portion operatively coupled between said grounded portion and a second structure from which said impact emanates, said impact absorbing portion of said Nitinol member being disposed to bend in flexural mode and having high specific damping capacity of up to about 40%;
• and
• bending said Nitinol structure with said impacting force and absorbing significant portions of the energy in said impacting force by bending said Nitinol structure.

A process of manufacturing an impact absorber for protecting a protected item against damage or injury upon impact, comprising:

• selecting at least one Nitinol member having an impact absorbing portion and first and second opposed portions, said impact absorbing portion of said Nitinol member being disposed to bend in flexural mode and having high specific damping capacity of up to about 40%;
• connecting said first portion of said Nitinol member to a structure that is to receive and hold said protected item, and connecting said second portion to structure from which said impact emanates;
• whereby impacts from said impact emanating structure will be received by said second portion of said Nitinol structure which will cause said impact absorbing portion of said Nitinol member to bend in flexural mode and absorb up to about 40% of energy in said impact.