Objective The mechanical properties of expanded polyethylene (EPE) were analyzed based on the finite element method. Methods The stress distribution and the stress-strain variation curves of EPE for different thickness and velocity were explored based on the finite element approach. Results With the increase of thickness of EPE, the maximum stress was reduced from 1.646 kPa to 0.624 kPa and the stress of the yield point was reduced from 41.700 Pa to 14.727 Pa. With the increase of velocity, the maximum stress on the contact edge between the plate and EPE increased gradually from 1.646 kPa to 8.617 kPa and the stress of the rising point increased gradually from 23.497 Pa to144.978 Pa. Conclusion The stress was mainly distributed on the contact edge between the plate and EPE. With the increase of thickness, the maximum stress decreased gradually. With the increase of velocity, the maximum stress on the contact edge between the plate and EPE increased gradually, and the internal stress region of EPE also increased gradually.