Finite element method has been broadly used to study fatigue crack closure. The simulated plastic wake
length is one of the key modelling parameters involved. This paper presents a complete analysis in fatigue
crack closure 3-D models.
It is aimed at two aspects: the influence on the calculation of opening and closure values, and the effect
on other main results. Conclusion indicates a 0.6· times Dugdale’s plastic size length to stabilise results as
plastic zone or contact area, but a reduced length could be acceptable in terms of crack closure results.
This suggests some independence among this parameter and fatigue crack closure.