Materials with novel architectonics: Assemblies of interlocked elements

In a recent communication [1] we proposed a new material architecture that is based on regular assemblies of identical interlocked elements. The topology of packing of the elements prevents each individual ‘building block' from breaking out by its immediate neighbours. We believe that the theoretical possibility of such interlocked structures opens up a new direction for creating strong and flexible composite materials with high impact resistance. While the interlocked elements form a skeleton structure that can provide structural integrity of the composite, a second phase can be selected to satisfy specified functional requirements, e.g. with regard to electrical or thermal conductivity, sound attenuation, etc. Since the properties of the assemblies are determined by their topology, rather than by the size of the ‘building blocks', the topologically motivated materials design principle proposed can be used in large scale structures, as well. In the present paper, we investigate some mechanical properties of materials whose design is based on the topological interlocking principle.