Decomposing three-dimensional shapes into self-supporting discrete element assemblies

Frick U., Van Mele T. and Block P.
Proceedings of the Design Modelling Symposium 2015
Springer International Publishing
Copenhagen
2015
doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-24208-8_16

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.