Study on the Energy Absorption Performance of Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) Structures at Different Load-Bearing Angles

Abstract

As engineering demands for structural energy absorption intensify, triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures, known for their light weight and exceptional energy absorption, are increasingly valued in aerospace, automotive, and shipping engineering. In this study, the energy absorption performance of three typical TPMS structures was evaluated (i.e., Gyroid, Diamond, and IWP) using quasi-static compression tests at various load-bearing angles. The results showed that while there is little influence of load-bearing angles on the energy absorption performance of Gyroid structures, its energy absorption is the least of the three structures. In contrast, Diamond structures have notable fluctuation in energy absorption at certain angles. Moreover, IWP (I-graph and Wrapped Package-graph) structures, though highly angle-sensitive, achieve the highest energy absorption. Further analysis of deformation behaviors revealed that structures dominated by bending deformation are stable under multi-directional loads but less efficient in energy absorption. Conversely, structures exhibiting mainly tensile deformation, despite their load direction sensitivity, perform best in energy absorption. By integrating bending and tensile deformations, energy absorption was enhanced through a multi-stage platform response. The data and conclusions revealed in the present study can provide valuable insights for future applications of TPMS structures.