Energy Absorption of Selective Laser‐Sintered Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Structures

Triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) exhibit controlled and stable deformation mechanisms, making them excellent candidates for impact‐mitigation applications. This study evaluates the performance of three TPMS architectures, gyroid, Schwarz‐diamond, and Schwarz‐primitive, additively manufactured via selective laser sintering (SLS) using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The structures were tested under quasistatic and dynamic (low‐ and moderate‐velocity) loading conditions, complemented by an investigation of the uniaxial tensile behavior of the bulk‐printed material. During quasistatic compressive loading, full‐strain fields were resolved using stereo digital image correlation (DIC). The results indicate that under quasistatic loading, the diamond architecture exhibited the stiffest response ( E s ≈ 13.85 MPa), while the gyroid and primitive structures demonstrated more progressive deformation; the primitive architecture recorded the highest energy absorption efficiency (0.33). Under low‐velocity impact (4.43 m/s), the primitive structures consistently outperformed their counterparts, with average peak impact force 21% lower and temporal characteristics 26% higher. At moderate velocities (∼21 m/s), primitive architecture continued to exhibit the broadest pulse widths, approximately 6% wider force–time signatures than those of the other TPMS geometries, a result attributed to its distinct deformation mechanisms and structural compliance. These outcomes underscore the potential of SLS‐manufactured TPMS structures for next‐generation protective devices in sports, defense, and security applications.