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This paper presents a computational framework appropriate for dynamic crack branching and fragmentation processes investigation. The ßnite element method incorporates special interface elements based on a cohesive zone model (CZM) to characterize the fracture process. A novel topology-based data structure is employed to facilitate fast and robust manipulation of evolving mesh information when extrinsic cohesive elements are inserted adaptively. To illustrate the application of the method, a set of "quasi-steady-state" crack propaga- tion experiments exhibiting micro-branching phenomena in Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) are numerically simulated. The simulation results compare reasonably well with experimental observations both globally and locally, and demonstrate certain advantageous features of the extrinsic CZM with respect to the intrinsic CZM.