Abstract
An extrinsic cohesive zone model with a novel unload–reload behaviour is developed in the framework of non-smooth mechanics. The model is extended to include the effects of dynamics with impact, and is discretised in such a way that it can be written as a Linear Complementarity Problem (LCP). This LCP is proved to be well-posed, and to respect the discrete energy balance of the system. Finally, the LCP system is validated numerically, in both statics and dynamics, by simple test cases, and more involved finite element simulations that correspond to standard test geometries in the literature. The results correspond well with those of other authors, while also demonstrating the simulations’ ability to resolve with relatively large time steps while respecting the energetic balance.