Abstract
In the field of Additive Manufacturing (AM), various interlocking methods are used for the detachable assembly of multi-component materials. Although the T-Joint is a widely used interlocking method, the appropriate geometric parameters for this shape are unknown. In this study, the interlocking of multi-component materials produced by AM using T-shaped connecting elements and the optimization of the geometric parameters that constitute them were performed using Response Surface Methodology. A tensile test was simulated using Ansys finite element software, and the von Mises equivalent stress values at the interlocking interfaces of the specimens were examined. Five input parameters and one output parameter, the maximum von Mises equivalent stress value, were determined for RSM optimization. Prior to RSM optimization, a design of experiment was created, and the Box-Benken experimental design method was selected. During the RSM optimization process, the most effective parameters in terms of maximum von Mises equivalent stress were found to be M1P2, M1A1, M1P1, M1A2, and M1P3, respectively. This study has identified more effective and stable geometric interlocking mechanisms. This work provides an important foundation for the optimization of future parametric connection types. However, the findings should be validated through experimental studies, and the optimization process should be expanded to include different material combinations.