A composite modular energy absorbing assembly with one or more gamma structures 100 that are interposed with one or more delta structures 200. The gamma structures have a base 12' and a plurality of recesses 16' defined therewithin. The recesses 16' have at least one wal120' extending from the associated base 12'. At least some of the recesses 16' are oriented such that their walls are substantially parallel to a major incident component of an impacting force. The walls 20' collapse. The delta structures 200 have a lattice 210 of interconnected strands which intersect to define a plurality of cells 220. The plane of at least some of these cells are substantially parallel to the impacting force. The lattice collapses during energy absorption. The composite assembly serves to decelerate an object that impacts thereupon in order to maximize energy absorption over a given distance. In alternate embodiments, stacking arrangements include: gamma structures alone; or delta structures alone.
