The present account deals with theoretical issues in modelling brittle microcracking solids. In this connection, a constitutive framework is presented first for the elastic fracturing continuum. Then, the consistency of the parameters accounting for fracturing is elucidated by considering an elastic solid with cracks. Thereby, the configuration of the crack system becomes significant. The descripton of progressive fracturing relies on the combination of constitutive description and fracture criterion with the structural morphology of the material. The latter defines a network of potential microcracks, and determines the evolution of fracturing.
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