Estimating parameters of fragments forming at penetration of periodic system of strings into a semi-infinite target

•An elastic–plastic model for a high-velocity penetration of strings periodic system into a massive target.•Estimating the size, velocity and kinetic energy of the fragments forming at the penetration.•Fragment mass and fragment kinetic energy in relation to fragment number at different impact velocities.

An elastic–plastic model for a high-velocity penetration of periodic system of strings into a semi-infinite target is proposed. The model allows one to estimate the size, velocity and kinetic energy of the fragments forming at the penetration. The results obtained are compared with known experimental data for aluminum projectile interaction with meshes.