Numerical modelling of plane strain plasticity induced crack closure effects for bimaterial interfacial cracks

• Plain strain fatigue interfacial cracks were modelled using FE modelling.
• Plasticity induced crack closure effects were monitored.
• Effects of Young’s modulus and yield stress mismatch were studied.
• Unsymmetrical residual plastic strain and crack profiles were seen.

The effects of plane strain plasticity induced crack closure on fatigue cracks located at the interface of dissimilar steel materials are presented using finite element modelling. Based on the study, it has been observed that bimaterial cracks produced unsymmetrical residual plastic strains and crack profiles in the crack wakes. It is seen that Young’s modulus and yield stress mismatch have profound effects on the development of unsymmetrical residual plastic strain and crack profiles, whereas the effect of Poisson’s ratio is insignificant. However, it has been found that for the material properties considered, low value of crack closure levels have been identified.