In this paper we develop, study, and test a Lie group multisymplectic integrator for geometrically exact beams based on the covariant Lagrangian formulation. We exploit the multisymplectic character of the integrator to analyze the energy and momentum map conservations associated to the temporal and spatial discrete evolutions. Covariant (spacetime) formulation of geometrically exact beamsGeometrically exact beams. Our developments are based on the geometrically exact beam model as developed in Reissner [1972], Simo [1985], and Simo, Marsden, and Kr-

This paper develops the theory of multisymplectic variational integrators for nonsmooth continuum mechanics with constraints. Typical problems are the impact of an elastic body on a rigid plate or the collision of two elastic bodies. The integrators are obtained by combining, at the continuous and discrete levels, the variational multisymplectic formulation of nonsmooth continuum mechanics with the generalized Lagrange multiplier approach for optimization problems with nonsmooth constraints. These integrators verify a spacetime multisymplectic formula that generalizes the symplectic property of time integrators. In addition, they preserve the energy during the impact. In the presence of symmetry, a discrete version of the Noether theorem is verified. All these properties are inherited from the variational character of the integrator. Numerical illustrations are presented.