Abstract: The simulation Analysis of feature extraction of acoustic emission signals for the damage of cables is presented on the basis of the combination of explicit finite element method and wavelet packet analysis. The wavelet packet energy spectrum is used to extract the features of acoustic emission signals, which are simulated by using the program of ANSYS/LS-DYNA. The feature extraction is discussed from the aspects of decomposition level, number of the selected feature bands and noise robustness of the feature parameters. The results show that (i) the wavelet packet energy spectrum can reflect the feature of the signals finely when proper decomposition level is chosen; (ii) only a minority of the feature bonds can make the wavelet packet energy spectrum reflect the feature information of acoustic emission signals; (iii) the feature parameters established based on wavelet packet energy spectrum indicate the preferable damage sensitivity and noise robusticity and the discrimination of various damage types can be realized with high levels of noise.