Application of Interlocking Structures: Fem-Based Concept Demonstration

. Modern development of machines demands increased hardness and reliability of materials and structures. Usually, this is done by introducing new chemical compositions of materials and new methods of material treatment. Following the computer finite element modeling, this paper demonstrates another efficient method of increasing hardness and reliability of materials and structures by selecting the reasonable geometry of structure elements and conditions of their interactions. These geometrical structures, first introduced by mathematicians, are called interlocking. An interlocking structure is a set of convex bodies arranged so that any infinitely small movement of one of them is possible only as a part of a simultaneous movement by all bodies (as if they were a single body). Modeling was carried out in the Abaqus software complex to demonstrate a conceptual approach to the use of interlocking structures in the development of structural materials for various purposes. Using the simulation results, the authors have studied various patterns of load distribution in such systems and put forward theories about their application in future studies. It was found that depending on various loading scenarios, such structures can dispel the applied point loads along the entire volume of the structural element. The paper also demonstrates the potential for optimizing the geometry of individual elements of interlocking structures, contributing to expanding their operational properties, while maintaining key features. The authors provide a scientific rationale for applying such structures in future to