Abstract: In order to reveal the energy absorption mechanism of the filament wound composite sandwich cylinder in the view of structural mechanics,a mechanical model of the structure was established under axial compression loading. Considering the force equilibrium and displacement compatibility between the surface and core,the relationship between the lateral restraint stress and core compressive deformation was put forward. The influence of hoop restraint stress on the damage mechanism was analyzed and the influence rules of parametric design between the surface and core was also conducted. The results of experimental studies and failure mode analysis show that, the mechanical model can effectively reveal the energy absorption mechanism in the view of structural mechanics and guide the parametric design of the structure.