Abstract: The study of damage and mechanical properties is of importance for the design of formulas and structures, safety assessment and life prediction of energetic materials. Damagedeteriorates the mechanical properties of energetic materials, and it also influences the sensitivity, combustion and even detonation properties of energetic materials. In this paper, the progress in the studies on the damage and mechanical properties of energetic materials is reviewed. The production and experimental simulation of damage, the damage modes inenergetic materials, and the influences of damage on the shock sensitivity, combustion and even detonation properties ofenergetic materials are introduced. The mechanical properties ofexplosive crystals, the influencing factors of the mechanical properties and constitutive laws including damage are alsoreviewed. Some suggestions for further investigation are also made.