SUMMARYImpact damage effects on the residual mechanical properties of the structure can be quite detrimental, and failure patterns depend strongly on the impact energy levels. This paper presents impact energy level assessment method using 2D multiple signal classification (MUSIC) and artificial neural network (ANN) approach for composite structures. Because uniform linear array has the shortcoming of the half-plane mirror effect, 2D MUSIC algorithm using a plum blossom sensor array is firstly applied to locate the position of impact and extract impact energy feature. Secondly, the relation impact energy feature, impact position, and impact energy level at different measurement points are established using ANN approach. Through the trained ANN, the impact energy level can be predicted when the position and impact energy feature results of unknown impact are given as input. Finally, the proposed method is applied to a quasi-isotropic epoxy laminate plate and a large stiffened carbon fiber composite structure showing its successful performance on composite structure.