Abstract: The dynamical behavior of the braking cylindrical shells during the vertical ejection of missiles has been studied. On the basis of plastic joint theory, theoretical analysis was carried out using work-energy principle and energy conservation theorem. Computations were completed using the nonlinear FEM software ABAQUS. Experiments were accomplished on the press in a quasi-static state. Results from the above three methods were found essentially identical. An empirical formula relating the contact force to the compression deformation of the braking cylindrical shells is given using the results of computation and experiment. The empirical formula can be used in the engineering design of the braking cylindrical shells and in the launching dynamics analysis of the weapon system.