Abstract: According to the macrostructure and microstructure of the composite laminates, a rate-dependent constitutive model was developed based on the assumption that the fibre is linear-elastic and the matrix is visco-elastic. On this foundation, a 3D-Hashin failure criteria was selected to identify the in-plane damage of composite laminates by replacing quasi-static strength properties with rate-dependent strength properties, and the cohesive element was involved to simulate the delamination of the composite laminates under a high velocity impact. By using a nonlinear finite element method, a numerical analytical model was presented to predict damage in composite laminates under a high velocity impact. By adopting this model, the ballistic performance and damage characteristics of composites laminates impacted by projectiles with different shapes were studied deeply. Some valuable conclusions were obtained.