Repository logo

Infoscience

  • English
  • French
Log In
Logo EPFL, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne

Infoscience

  • English
  • French
Log In
  1. Home
  2. Academic and Research Output
  3. Journal articles
  4. Design and Structural Optimization of Topological Interlocking Assemblies
 
research article

Design and Structural Optimization of Topological Interlocking Assemblies

Wang, Ziqi  
•
Song, Peng  
•
Isvoranu, Florin  
Show more
November 1, 2019
Acm Transactions On Graphics

We study assemblies of convex rigid blocks regularly arranged to approximate a given freeform surface. Our designs rely solely on the geometric arrangement of blocks to form a stable assembly, neither requiring explicit connectors or complex joints, nor relying on friction between blocks. The convexity of the blocks simplifies fabrication, as they can be easily cut from different materials such as stone, wood, or foam. However, designing stable assemblies is challenging, since adjacent pairs of blocks are restricted in their relative motion only in the direction orthogonal to a single common planar interface surface. We show that despite this weak interaction, structurally stable, and in some cases, globally interlocking assemblies can be found for a variety of freeform designs. Our optimization algorithm is based on a theoretical link between static equilibrium conditions and a geometric, global interlocking property of the assembly-that an assembly is globally interlocking if and only if the equilibrium conditions are satisfied for arbitrary external forces and torques. Inspired by this connection, we define a measure of stability that spans from single-load equilibrium to global interlocking, motivated by tilt analysis experiments used in structural engineering. We use this measure to optimize the geometry of blocks to achieve a static equilibrium for a maximal cone of directions, as opposed to considering only self-load scenarios with a single gravity direction. In the limit, this optimization can achieve globally interlocking structures. We show how different geometric patterns give rise to a variety of design options and validate our results with physical prototypes.

  • Files
  • Details
  • Metrics
Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Name

paper.pdf

Type

Postprint

Version

http://purl.org/coar/version/c_ab4af688f83e57aa

Access type

openaccess

License Condition

copyright

Size

23.42 MB

Format

Adobe PDF

Checksum (MD5)

604856a588b8c4df97018d082c498911

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Name

thumbnail.png

Type

Thumbnail

Access type

openaccess

License Condition

copyright

Size

645.13 KB

Format

PNG

Checksum (MD5)

4f148f330c736b9275019cf0f8117cfb

Logo EPFL, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne
  • Contact
  • infoscience@epfl.ch

  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Instagram
  • Follow us on LinkedIn
  • Follow us on X
  • Follow us on Youtube
AccessibilityLegal noticePrivacy policyCookie settingsEnd User AgreementGet helpFeedback

Infoscience is a service managed and provided by the Library and IT Services of EPFL. © EPFL, tous droits réservés