On the basis of computing models of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS), the optical limiting response characteristics in SBS process are investigated theorctieally. Dependence of limiting parameter ——residual energy on pump parameters (input power density, pulse duration), medium parameters (gain, phonon life time) and configuration parameters (focusing length, cell length) are analyzed. Response characteristics of SBS limiting are given by studying the variation of delay time, residual peak power and residual energy. Ideal response system can be obtained by choosing a medium with larger gain and shorter phonon life time. But the vesidual energy could not be got rid of by choosing SBS medium parameters only. In experiment, we obtained flat-roofed optical limiting pulse shapes in SBS process using dye absorption.