Cohesive Elements compressive limit to keep bodies affecting it from reaching each other

[akorayem]

Hello

I would really appreciate some help on an issue I am facing. I am trying to create a simulation of a Mode-1 test using a cohesive layer between to plates of steel using solid 3D elements.

When I run the simulation the moment generated by the forces pulling the steel plates apart on one end, causes them to move into each other on the other end as shown in the attached figure.
The cohesive elements are connected to the steel plates using a tie constraint.

I want to create a compressive limit for the cohesive zone elements, where the compressive strain cannot exceed a certain point and would keep the steel plates from reaching each other.

Any Ideas?

 

[FEA way]

Is there no contact in the model ? I would add general contact to it.