Space-filling bearings in three dimensions

TL;DR

This paper introduces the first three-dimensional space-filling bearing, demonstrating a self-similar packing of spheres with even loops that functions as a frictionless, slip-free rotational bearing.

Contribution

It presents the novel construction of a 3D space-filling bearing using self-similar packings with even loops, enabling frictionless sphere rotation.

Findings

Constructed a self-similar 3D packing with even loops

Demonstrated the packing can act as a frictionless bearing

First such 3D space-filling bearing presented

Abstract

We present the first space-filling bearing in three dimensions. It is shown that a packing which contains only loops with even number of spheres can be constructed in a self-similar way and that it can act as a three dimensional bearing in which spheres can rotate without slip and with negligible torsion friction.