In this paper the progressive fracturing of softening materials under transient dynamic loading is modelled by utilising the theory of viscoplasticity in the general framework of the finite element method. In the context of the rotating smeared crack approach it is assumed that micro-cracking is initiated upon the violation of a failure criterion and is further governed by the strain-rate dependent softening process. The theory of viscoplasticity is amended in a way to achieve unique, stable and mesh independent results. The occurrence of strain softening in the continuum leads to localisation of deformation, which causes a local failure through the occurrence of cracks in the localised zones. Finite element removal technique is used for modelling the final separation of the continuum when the load carrying capability in the localised zone has completely vanished. Representative numerical examples are given.

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