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

TL;DR

This paper investigates how a specific generative parameter affects the mechanical performance of hexagonal topological interlocking assemblies through numerical analysis, aiming to improve custom design capabilities.

Contribution

It introduces a numerical study linking block generation parameters to the mechanical performance of interlocking assemblies, enhancing design precision.

Findings

Parameter variation influences structural strength

Design adjustments can optimize mechanical performance

Insights enable tailored block design for specific requirements

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.