Crack Paths in Unidirectional Fibre-Reinforced Brittle- Matrix Materials through Two Computational Models

In the present paper, both a continuum FE approach and a lattice-based micromechanical approach are employed to analyse fibre-reinforced brittle-matrix materials by adopting a cohesive-like fracture behaviour, properly modified taking into account the fibre bridging effect. The basic assumptions and theoretical background of such two computational approaches are outlined, and some benchmark analyses related to random and unidirectional fibre-reinforced brittle-matrix structural components under monotonic tensile loading are discussed.