Abstract: The energy absorption elements made of composites are often applied in impact protective engineering structures. The energy absorption ability of composite structures is a special mechanic behavior which differs from the strength and the stiffness of the structures. The objectives and methodologies for the energy absorption behavior of composite tube structures have their own characteristics. Over the recent years, the investigation on the energy absorption behavior of composite structures has been an attractive research topic in impacting protection applications. In this paper, we review the progress of the studies on energy absorption behavior of composite structures and propose some outstanding issues that require further studies.