Soft topological lattice wheels

TL;DR

This paper explores the use of a soft, topologically polarized kagome lattice in wheel design, demonstrating enhanced load management and deformation capabilities through experiments and simulations, with potential applications in rolling objects.

Contribution

It introduces a novel lattice wheel design that leverages topological mechanics for improved load absorption and stress distribution under various loading conditions.

Findings

Localized loads are absorbed with limited stress penetration.

Distributed loads result in a globally stiff response.

Lattice wheel outperforms solid wheel in stress management.

Abstract

We investigate the large deformation and extreme load-management capabilities of a soft topologically polarized kagome lattice mapped to a cylindrical domain through the problem of a lattice wheel rolling on an irregular surface. We test the surface-lattice interaction experimentally by subjecting a 3D-printed topological lattice wheel prototype to localized and distributed boundary loads. This investigation reveals a dichotomy in the force transfer between the two loading scenarios, whereby localized loads are absorbed with limited stress penetration into the bulk and small force transfer to the wheel axle, compared to distributed loads. Through numerical simulations, we compare the lattice wheel against a baseline solid wheel to highlight the unique stress management opportunities offered by the lattice configuration. These findings promote the design of rolling objects enabled by topological mechanics, in which a surplus of softness, activated by local asperities, can coexist with a globally stiff response to distributed loads that ensures satisfactory load-bearing capabilities.