Which mechanism allowed medieval chainmail to protect against slashing weapons, but not piercing ones?

💡 Explanation

When a slashing weapon strikes chainmail, energy dissipation occurs because interlinked rings rub against each other, converting kinetic energy into heat which reduces cutting force. Therefore, energy dissipation is the correct answer, rather than deformation, work hardening or corrosion resistance, which rely on bulk material properties ineffective against focused piercing attacks.

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