Abstract
This study investigates a computational design approach to generate volumetric decompositions of given, arbitrary, three-dimensional shapes into self supporting, discrete-element assemblies. These assemblies are structures formed by individual units that remain in equilibrium solely as a result of compressive and frictional contact forces between the elements. This paper presents a prototypical implementation of a decomposition tool into a CAD software, focusing on user-controlled design to generate such assemblies. The implementation provides an interactive design environment including real time visual feedback, in which the design space of self-supporting block assemblies can be explored and expanded. Some surprising results of such explorations are included and discussed.
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Acknowledgments
This research was supported by the NCCR Digital Fabrication, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (NCCR Digital Fabrication Agreement # 51NF40-141853).
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Frick, U., Mele, T.V., Block, P. (2015). Decomposing Three-Dimensional Shapes into Self-supporting, Discrete-Element Assemblies. In: Thomsen, M., Tamke, M., Gengnagel, C., Faircloth, B., Scheurer, F. (eds) Modelling Behaviour. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24208-8_16
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24208-8_16
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