Mechanics of Topologically Interlocked Material Systems under Point Load: Archimedean and Laves Tiling

Abstract: Topologically interlocked material systems are two-dimensional assemblies of unit elements from which no element can be removed from the assembly without disassembly of the entire system. Consequently, such tile assemblies are able to carry transverse mechanical loads. Archimedean and Laves tilings are investigated as templates for the material system architecture. It is demonstrated under point loads that the architecture significantly affects the force-deflection response. Stiffness, load carrying capacity and toughness varied by a factor of at least three from the system with the poorest performance to the system with the best performance. Across all architectures stiffness, strength and toughness are found to be strongly and linearly correlated. Architecture characterizing parameters and their relationship to the mechanical behavior are investigated. It is shown that the measure of the smallest tile area in an assembly provides the best predictor of mechanical behavior. With small tiles present in the assembly the contact force network structure is well developed and the internal load path is channeled through these stiffest components of the assembly.