The paper described two different numerical 3D mesoscopic approaches (the meso-scale image-based FE and DE model) for quantitative and qualitative characterization of the dynamic impact mechanical behavior of HCR. The 3D meso-structure of Ha in calculations, which was directly obtained from real coal rock specimen using nondestructive XCT techniques, was modelled as a random heterogeneous two-phase material composed of coal and gangue respectively. Dynamic impact loading in three directions (x-, y-, and z-axis) were modelled to investigate the 3D meso-structure and different input energies effects on failure patterns of HCR The very different qualitative and quantitative results demonstrated that the spatial distribution of mineral phases, loading directions and input energies have pronounced influenced on material strength as well as failure patterns of heterogeneous rock materials. The XCT image-based numerical model proved to be an effective tool that gives insights into the mesodeformation mechanisms of HCR undergoing dynamic impact failure behavior. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier B.V.