Influence of a generative parameter on the mechanical performance of topological interlocking assemblies of a hexagonal block

Procedia CIRP, vol. 142, pp. 446–450

Abstract

A topological interlocking assembly is an arrangement of blocks, where all blocks are kinematically constrained by their neighboring blocks and a fixed frame. This concept has been known for a long time, attracting recent interest due to its advantageous mechanical properties, such as reusability, redundancy and limited crack propagation. New mathematical methods enable the generation of vast numbers of new topologically interlocking blocks. A natural next question is the quantification of the mechanical performance of these new blocks. We conduct a numerical study of topological interlocking assemblies whose blocks are constructed based on the hexagonal grid. By varying a design parameter used in the generation of these blocks, we study its influence on the structural performance of the entire assembly. The results improve our understanding of the link between the block parameters and the mechanical performance. This enhances the ability to custom design blocks for certain mechanical requirements of the topological interlocking assemblies.

Authors 5

1. Lukas Schnelle Aachen Chair of Algebra and Representation Theory Institute of Structural Mechanics and Lightweight Design

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Algebra and Representation Theory, RWTH Aachen University, Pontdriesch 10-12, 52062 Aachen, Germany

   Institute of Structural Mechanics and Lightweight Design, RWTH Aachen University, Wüllnerstraße 7, 52062 Aachen, Germany

2. Meike Weiß Aachen Chair of Algebra and Representation Theory

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Algebra and Representation Theory, RWTH Aachen University, Pontdriesch 10-12, 52062 Aachen, Germany

3. Reymond Akpanya Aachen Chair of Algebra and Representation Theory

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Algebra and Representation Theory, RWTH Aachen University, Pontdriesch 10-12, 52062 Aachen, Germany

4. Kai‐Uwe Schröder Aachen Institute of Structural Mechanics and Lightweight Design

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Structural Mechanics and Lightweight Design, RWTH Aachen University, Wüllnerstraße 7, 52062 Aachen, Germany

5. Alice C. Niemeyer Aachen Chair of Algebra and Representation Theory

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Algebra and Representation Theory, RWTH Aachen University, Pontdriesch 10-12, 52062 Aachen, Germany