tunable pull - through energy attenuator and decelerator devices is disclosed which provide for variable force - time profiles , deceleration and kinetic energy attenuation of moving objects so as to prevent damage or injury to impacting objects , vehicles or persons . the device employs either consumable inelastic or reusable , viscoelastic deforming elements , such as tubes , rods , plates or strips , which absorb substantial amounts of energy through repeated inelastic or viscoelastic deformation when the deforming element is pulled - through a tunable array of rigid pins having a variety of configurations and settings . the disclosed devices provide for variable force - time profiles which control the cumulative deformation and thereby the amount of energy absorbed and rate of deceleration of impacting objects . the device may be readily adapted and deployed as highway vehicle guardrails , road barriers or crash cushions for frontal and side impacts and as load attenuators for crash - resistant aircraft seats , spacecraft landing pods , crash - resistant aircraft landing gear , aircraft and vehicle passenger restraint harnesses , cargo tie - downs , vehicle bumpers and collapsible vehicle steering columns .