Design, mechanical properties and energy absorption capability of graded-thickness triply periodic minimal surface structures fabricated by selective laser melting

•Proposing a novel design method to achieve functionally graded thickness minimal surface structures.•The local curvature distribution of the minimal surface can predict the first fracture positions.•The layer-by-layer failure feature of the graded structures can help avoid sharply stress drops.•Graded thickness triply minimal surface structures show higher stiffness and energy absorption capabilities than constant thickness.