<p>This study aims to investigate the fractal pattern of fragmentation and energy dissipation characteristics of red sandstone containing fractures under impact loads. By employing a split Hopkinson pressure bar to conduct impact tests on intact and red sandstone specimens with different fracture angles (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°), the mechanical parameters of intact and fractured rocks under impact loads were obtained. Combining fractal theory and energy theory, the fractal characteristics of rock fragmentation and the laws of energy dissipation were analyzed. The results indicate that the presence of fractures significantly reduces the dynamic compressive strength of red sandstone, and as the fracture angle increases, its strength gradually increases. Higher strain rates enhance dynamic compressive strength, with fractured rocks exhibiting greater sensitivity compared to intact specimens. Under dynamic impact loads, the distribution of rock fragmentation size follows fractal laws, and the increase in fractal dimension reveals the significant impact of strain rate on the degree of fragmentation. Changes in fracture angle significantly affect the energy dissipation mechanism of rocks, with a relative decrease in reflected energy and an increase in transmitted energy as the fracture angle increases. The findings provide a certain scientific basis for the safety assessment of underground engineering, disaster prevention, and the efficiency of resource exploitation.</p>