The method of moving cellular automata was used to model a sample of ZrO2 ceramic with a matrix structure under conditions of uniaxial compression. Studies were made of the strength and type of damage to the initial structure and its modifications. Particular attention was devoted to studying the influence of characteristics of the matrix structure on the formation and suppression of internal stress macroconcentrators. It is shown that the method of moving cellular automata can be used for the computer-aided design of matrix materials with a complex structure by specifically influencing the formation and evolution of stress macroconcentrators. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics. [S1063-7850(98)03102-4].