[washadjeffmad]

That seems intuitive, though. EM radiation is either reflected or absorbed, and optimizing for that requires both a pretty complex understanding of RF behavior and generally knowing that materials are generally radiopaque and radiolucent at different frequencies and wattages.

Sometimes we're trying to keep things (eg- information) outside from getting in, and other times we want to prevent things inside from getting out. There are practices to optimize for both that don't rely on "blocking".

[tomxor]

> EM radiation is either reflected or absorbed

By interfaces yes, but it can also be cancelled out through destructive interference as a side effect of reflection, which is my theory of how a "big ball of crumply aluminium" is so effective compared to less chaotic solutions.

[widforss]

Rough surfaces increase reflection in non-specular directions and decrease it in the specular direction. I have never heard that it would facilitate destructive interference.

[b112]

Every time my friends make fun of my hat, every time I think of shedding the 'Luminum Life, something convinces me to stand fast.

Thank you brother.

Thank you.