The results of an experimental investigationof the crush behavior, failure modes and rate sensitivity of axially compressed flat specimen made from Newport Nb 321/7781 composite prepregare presented in this paper. Single bevel type trigger mechanismswere used to initiate the progressive failure mechanism. Quasi-static tests and dynamic tests were conducted at load rates ranging from 10⁻³ in/s to 10 in/s. The influence of 45° bevel angle, stacking sequence and failure modes were analyzed, to examine the brittle failure mechanisms related to crash energy absorption during compression of the flat plate specimens. Results indicate that energy absorption is highly influenced by the trigger bevel angle, load rate and stacking sequence. The peak load decreased with an increase in load rate and the failure modes varied with the stacking sequence.