The modeling and simulation of various effects of infrared imaging sensor systems are not only helpful to the actual analysis, test and evaluation of infrared imaging weapon systems, but also can provide the basis for the performance analysis and design of infrared sensors. Therefore, they are of importance to military and economy. The current status of effect modeling and simulation of infrared imaging sensors are analyzed. Several typical infrared sensor models are described in detail. Finally, some ideas are proposed to the effect modeling and simulation of infrared sensors.