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A cohesive interface element is presented for the finite element analysis of crack growth in thin specimens. In this work, the traditional cohesive interface model is extended to handle cracks in the context of three-dimensional shell elements. In addition to the traction-displacement law, a bending moment-rotation relation is included to transmit the moment and describe the initiation and propagation of cracks growing through the thickness of the shell elements. Since crack initiation and evolution are a natural outcome of the cohesive zone model without the need of any ad hoc fracture criterion, this model results in automatic prediction of fracture. In particular, this paper will focus on cases involving mode I/III fracture and bending, typical of complex cases existing in industrial applications in which thin-walled structures are subjected to extreme loading conditions (e.g., crashworthiness analysis). Finally, we will discuss how the three-dimensional effects near the crack front may affect the determination of the cohesive parameters to be used with this model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]