The uniaxial compression mechanical test of the gypsum sample with seven differ-ent height to diameter ratios were measured by using RMT-150B rock mechanics testing ma-chine,and the mechanical properties and failure characteristics of the gypsum sample were analysed. Based on the test results,the energy dissipation characteristics of the gypsum in different height to diameter ratios were investigated by using the energy dissipation theory. The results show that the microcracks within the gypsum sample is closed firstly,and then produces a new fractures at the tip of the microcracks,and th...