Abstract: In order to investigate the energy absorption properties of composite waved-beams, the dynamic impact tests of three types of composite waved-beam specimens which have the stacking sequences of [(±45)₃/(0,90)/(±45)₃], [(±45)₈] and [(±45)₇], were conducted to obtain the energy absorption load-displacement curves and the failure morphology was analyzed subsequently. Based on the continuum damage mechanics, a stiffness degraded model that involved extended Hashin failure criterion and damage evolution law was proposed for analyzing the crashworthiness failure of waved-beams. The progressive failure user subroutine for composite waved-beams was developed on the basis of finite element software platform. The progressive failure numerical analysis was performed for three different types of waved-beams. The energy evaluative parameters including the special energy absorption (SEA) and average load value were acquired by simulation. The simulation and experimental results were compared and analyzed. The energy absorption capability of composite waved-beams with different triggers was compared. The result shows that the progressive crushing failure mode of waved-beam is observed under impact load. The relative error of average crushing load is less than 12%. It satisfies the precision of engineering application. And the property of composites and layup mode should be taken into account for setting the trigger.