MIt Gershenfeld created a new 3D interlock structure — which is made from tiny, identical, interlocking parts— to chainmail. The parts, based on a novel geometry that Cheung developed with Gershenfeld, form a structure that is 10 times stiffer for a given weight than existing ultralight materials. But this new structure can also be disassembled and reassembled easily — such as to repair damage, or to recycle the parts into a different configuration.
There are different variations of the structure which spring to mind -
1. For Tall Buildings and Bridges
Larger pieces to the length of 1 meter or 2 meters may be better suited to some construction applications. These larger structure might not have the ultralight benefits but could be superior in strength for making tall buildings. The construction approach would as a baseline not require welding. Also, modifications could be made to have either locking pins or a locking cover over the joints to reinforce or hold them in.
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In the lab, a sample of the cellular composite material is prepared for testing of its strength properties. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Cheung
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There are different variations of the structure which spring to mind -
1. For Tall Buildings and Bridges
Larger pieces to the length of 1 meter or 2 meters may be better suited to some construction applications. These larger structure might not have the ultralight benefits but could be superior in strength for making tall buildings. The construction approach would as a baseline not require welding. Also, modifications could be made to have either locking pins or a locking cover over the joints to reinforce or hold them in.
In the lab, a sample of the cellular composite material is prepared for testing of its strength properties. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Cheung
Read more »
