Coupled Rigid-Block Analysis: Stability-Aware Design of Complex Discrete-Element Assemblies

The rigid-block equilibrium (RBE) method uses a penalty formulation to measure structural infeasibility or guide the design of stable discrete-element assemblies from unstable geometry. However, RBE is purely force-based formulation, and it incorrectly describes stability when complex interface geometries are involved. To overcome this issue, paper introduces coupled analysis (CRA) method, more robust approach building upon RBE’s strengths. CRA combines kinematics in nonlinear programming problem. An extensive benchmark campaign used show how enables accurate modelling three-dimensional formed by rigid blocks. In addition, an interactive stability-aware process user towards structurally-sound proposed. Finally, potential our for real-world problems demonstrated designing scaffolding-free physical models. • method: 3D with friction. Nonlinear constrained optimisation coupling static kinematics. Penalty identify regions. Stability-aware solutions. Design, fabrication construction complex, assemblies.