Submarine optical fiber composite cables are widely used in cross-ocean information and energy interconnection projects play a key role in the national marine strategy. the environment condition is complex, different types of mechanical damage will directly affect the safety of the submarine cable. The finite element simulation analysis provides a low-cost and high-efficiency theoretical method for the safety monitoring through the simulation of different working conditions. In order to summarize the existing technology and evaluate the future development direction, this paper the finite element simulation analysis of submarine cables under tensile, torsion and bending load summarize the research results of submarine cable mechanical damage from anchor and natural ocean current, which can provide reference for monitoring technology such as optical fiber sensing. Finally, the simulation technology is summarized and prospected.