scope:

DEFINITIONS

Frangible object. An object of low mass designed to break, distort or yield on impact so as to present the minimum hazard to aircraft.

Impact load. A sudden application of a load or force by an object moving with high velocity.

Break-away or failure mechanism. A device which has been designed, configured and fabricated in such a way that it is very sensitive to one type of loading, usually resulting from a time dependent dynamic impact, but immune to the normal environmental and operational loads imposed on the mechanism during the lifetime of the structure. The "break-away mechanism" can be designed in conjunction with the joints of the structure and/or designed independent of the joints of the structure.

Impact energy. The energy required for an object to break, distort or yield when subjected to an impact load.