Wood-inspired lattice architectures with high load-bearing and energy absorption capabilities

Motivated by the hierarchical organization of natural wood, this study introduces a biomimetic lattice structure design strategy to guide the deformation pattern and enhance energy dissipation performance. The strategy encompasses two levels, including the unit cell topology and spatial hybrid design. The cell and lattice structure are first designed and fabricated, and the quasi-static compression tests coupled with finite element simulations are then conducted. Afterward, the deformation modes, stress responses, and energy dissipation characteristics were systematically analyzed. Results indicate that unit cell topology governs the initial force response and local buckling behavior. The U-B cell achieves a favorable compromise between stiffness and stability, with SEA of 9.23 J/g. The 3 × 3 periodic structures enhance load transfer and coordinated buckling, particularly in the L-C configuration, which demonstrates a balanced performance across plateau stress, crushing efficiency, and specific energy absorption (SEA). Compared to uniform architectures, hybrid lattices employing functionally partitioned topologies effectively integrate strength, crushing stability, and specific energy absorption, with representative designs reaching a SEA of 10.4 J/g and plateau stresses exceeding 43 MPa. The specific energy absorption (SEA) of our proposed structure is 2–4 times higher than conventional re-entrant or rectangular lattice structures. These findings provide insight into the coupling path from cellular topology to macroscopic mechanical response, and offer theoretical support for the topological optimization of energy-absorbing structures.