Abstract: Control rod hydraulic drive mechanism (CRHDM) is a new type of in-vessel control rod drive technology. Hydraulic absorber is one of the key parts of control rod hydraulic drive line. It is used to buffer control rod when the rod scrams to prevent the cross-blades of control rod from deformation and damage. Based on the working process of the hydraulic absorber, a theoretical model of the buffering process was established. Calculation results of the theoretical model agree well with the experiment results. The trend of pressure change in absorber cylinder, the displacement and velocity of the piston and buffering force during the buffering process were obtained from the calculation results of the theoretical model. Then influence parameters about cushioning characteristics were analyzed, which laid foundation for optimal design of the hydraulic absorber.