Verification of a continuum mechanical explanation of plasticity-induced crack closure under plain strain conditions by means of finite element analysis

► An explanation for crack closure in the plane strain case could be confirmed. ► We performed a finite element analysis and verified a continuum mechanical model. ► A material transport to the crack tip occurs during crack propagation. A continuum mechanical visualisation for the formation of a wedge to explain plasticity-induced crack closure under plain strain conditions is based on a material transport from the crack wake to the crack tip. A 2-dimensional finite element analysis is used to confirm this explanation of plasticity-induced crack closure under plain strain conditions.