Abstract This study investigates the micromechanical behavior of PVA‐ECC under uniaxial tension via finite element simulation. The Parametric Design Language (APDL) scripting language was used in MATLAB to generate random fibers in 3D space. APDL was also used to import ANSYS to build a geometric model, considering the bond between the fiber and matrix, and simulating with spring elements. The resulting spring force‐deformation curve was calibrated according to the measured data from pull‐out tests between the single fiber and ECC matrix. The results show that the maximum stress position of the fiber changes during the tensile process and that spring elements can simulate the failure processes between the fiber and matrix. At any cross‐section of the fiber, the summing forces from the spring elements of both ends are always equal to 0. The accuracy of the model is verified, and it provides a method for predicting the mechanical behavior in the ECC tensile process.
Zhao et al. (2026) studied this question.