A cohesive element approach for viscoelastic interface properties

This paper introduces a time dependent extension of the nonlinear traction separation law for an interface element. The constitutive equations of the load history dependent behaviour of the material are depicted and derived according to a generalized Maxwell‐model. This finite linear, viscoelastic approach allows the consideration of long term loading and time dependent material behaviour in thin layers. The implementation of the presented element formulation and the material approach are verified by numerical examples. The paper gives an outlook on further work and research topics. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)