According to the working principle of A10VNO swash-plate axial piston pump, the simulation model of which is built in AMESim. Its output flow pulsation characteristics was simulated and analyzed. The influence of the prime mover speed, the swash-plate angle, piston diameter of piston pump and valve plate structure on flow pulsation of the axial piston pump were mainly analyzed. The research results show that, the structure of valve plate, swash plate angle, and the prime mover speed has an important influence on the flow pulsation of piston pump. In order to reduce the flow pulsation of piston pump and lower noise generated in the flow distribution process effectively, the opening of pre-compression angle and misalignment angle of the valve plate of piston pump must be reduced appropriately, and the swash-plate angle and prime mover speed must be controlled in a certain range.