Output details

An analytical model of the motion of a conformable sheet over a general convex surface in the presence of frictional coupling.

Understanding frictional coupling between fabrics and the body is crucial because it can generate shear stresses high enough to inflict serious abrasion and deep tissue damage. This model constitutes the first general description of the frictional interaction between stressed compliant fabrics and curved surfaces and it provides maps of these damaging shear stresses for any given interface gross geometry, coefficient of friction and loading. Our follow-on work is using the model to study known vulnerable skin sites such as the buttocks and hips, with the ultimate aim of developing products and clinical practices less likely to damage soft tissues.