Fragmentator

A fragmentator is a device, mechanism, or process that breaks something into smaller, often irregular, pieces or components. This can apply to both physical objects and abstract concepts like data or information. The fragmentation process might be intentional, such as in controlled demolition, or unintentional, like the shattering of glass. The purpose of a fragmentator varies widely, from facilitating material recycling to obfuscating sensitive data. The effectiveness of a fragmentator is judged by the size, shape, and distribution of the resulting fragments, and the ease with which the original material can be reconstructed, if possible.

Fragmentator meaning with examples

• The demolition company employed a powerful fragmentator to safely dismantle the old skyscraper. The machine efficiently reduced the concrete and steel into manageable debris for transport and recycling, minimizing environmental impact. The engineers carefully calculated the explosive charges and the fragmentator's power to control the direction and size of the fragments, ensuring the safety of the surrounding area and adjacent buildings.
• In a data security protocol, a fragmentator divides a sensitive file into numerous small, encrypted chunks. These are then distributed across multiple servers. Without the correct decryption keys and access to all fragments, an attacker is unable to reconstruct the original information. The robust fragmentator protects against data breaches by making the data essentially unusable without complete assembly.
• The geologist used a rock fragmentator in the lab to analyze the mineral composition of a large sample. The machine carefully crushed the rock, producing particles for advanced microscopic examination. This process of fragmentation allowed for in-depth study of the internal structures of different rock types and assisted in age determination based on isotope levels of each fragment.
• The artist utilized a virtual fragmentator in their digital artwork to simulate a shattered effect. This created a sense of chaos and disarray within the composition. By carefully controlling the settings of the virtual fragmentator, the artist could determine the size, shape, and direction of each fragment, producing an impressive aesthetic and emotional impact within the larger narrative.