Topology‐Dependent Sequential Crushing and Energy Absorption in Axially Hybridized TPMS Lattices

ABSTRACT Axial hybridization provides a means of tailoring the crushing response of triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) lattices. FRD lattices exhibit high resistance after yielding and strong energy absorption, motivating their use in hybrid designs. However, how the topology paired with FRD influences regional deformation and energy absorption remains unclear. In this study, G, P, and IWP were paired with FRD using the same axial arrangement, sigmoid transition, dimensions and target global relative density. Quasistatic compression tests on poly(lactic acid) lattices fabricated by fused deposition modeling provided mechanical and energy absorption metrics, while finite element simulations aided interpretation of regional deformation. For the homogeneous lattices, resistance after yielding decreased in the order FRD, IWP, G, and P. In G–FRD, however, the FRD region deformed first. G–FRD maintained relatively continuous resistance but densified earlier than P–FRD, which recovered resistance after an initial load drop. Among the hybrids, IWP–FRD exhibited two distinct stages of load bearing, with the lowest initial peak stress of 3.00 MPa, the highest mean plateau stress of 5.25 MPa, and the highest specific energy absorption of 13.36 J/g. Base topology thus influences regional deformation and compaction, shaping the crushing response and energy absorption.