Abstract:Breaking and cracking are serious structural engineering failure modes.In combination with stress intensity factor K and J-integral of the traditional fracture mechanics,the basic idea and development of Cohesive Zone Model(CZM) are reviewed.The typical model of CZM and the limitation of the model application are analyzed.The implementation of the model in the form of finite element is summarized.The research of the domestic and foreign scholars about the CZM to solve different material crack initiation and extension are summarized.It is concluded that the CZM can be used to study the crack tip plasticity deformation,creep cracking under the condition of static and fatigue loading,as well as metal,geotechnical materials and concrete,composite materials and nanocrystalline materials crack intiation and crack propagantion.