This paper describes a method by means of FE code DEFORMTM-2D to simulate the formation of central bursting defects in extrusion processes; the effect of various extrusion parameters such as half die angle, reduction in area, friction factor, and strain hardening exponent on the maximum damage value is examined. The differences between various ductile fracture criteria are compared and critical damage value(CDV) of the material AA6061 is found. In addition, we get the strength coefficient(K), strain hardening exponent(n), CDV and friction factor(m) by material tests, such as uniform tensile test, notched tensile test, compression test, and ring compression test. Finally, the cold multistage extrusion experiment was conducted to verify the accuracy of the finite element simulations. From the continuous three pass extrusion experimental data, no fracture in the center of the extruded product was found. From the analytical data, it was known that the maximum damage value 1.0479 for third pass extrusion was small than critical damage value 1.068, thus, central bursting defects didn¡¦t occur in extrusion processes.