Impact mechanics is the study of how objects interact when they collide. It focuses on the forces and energy involved during the impact, helping to understand how materials behave under stress. This field is essential in various applications, including vehicle safety, sports equipment design, and aerospace engineering. Researchers in impact mechanics analyze factors such as speed, mass, and angle of collision to predict outcomes. By using principles from physics, they can develop models that simulate impacts, which aid in designing safer products and structures. This knowledge is crucial for improving safety standards in industries like automotive and construction.