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Composite energy-absorbing structures for use in aircraft are being studied within a European Commission research programme (CRASURV ± Design for Crash Survivability). One of the aims of the project is to evaluate the current capabilities of crashworthiness simulation codes for composites modelling. This paper focuses on the computational analysis using explicit ®nite element analysis, of a number of quasi-static and dynamic tests carried out within the programme. It describes the design of the structures, the analysis techniques used, and the results of the analyses in comparison to the experimental test results. It has been found that current multi-ply shell models are capable of modelling the main energy-absorbing processes at work in such structures. However some de®-ciencies exist, particularly in modelling fabric composites. Developments within the ®nite element code are taking place as a result of this work which will enable better representation of composite fabrics.