BrickFEM An Automated Finite Element Model for Static and Dynamic Simulations of Simple Lego® Sets

Abstract

BrickFEM is a tool that can automatically generate, mesh, run and evaluate Finite Element Method (FEM) models of simple sets of bricks in the commercial FE software Abaqus. It uses Python scripts to generate Lego® sets, which can contain regular bricks, plates, tiles and base plates of any size. The model calculates the full stress and strain fields of the bricks and can show how Lego bricks disassemble under applied loads. The clamping connection between the Lego bricks is realized by widening the lower cavities of the bricks before defining the contact between them. Loads can then be applied in a static or dynamic step on regions of the bricks or using rigid bodies that contact the Lego set.