Friction and shear force

Friction is a mechanical force resisting the sliding, rolling, or dragging of one surface over another. It typically causes injury to superficial layers of skin, especially when skin is dragged across a coarse surface[7][9]. Shear force refers to internal mechanical forces acting parallel to the plane of a tissue, causing deformation and potential injury to deeper tissue layers when different parts of tissue are moved in opposite directions[9][3][5]. In a biomedical context, friction and shear are critical contributors to pressure injuries and tissue damage in patients, especially those who are immobilized or elderly. They act by physically deform tissues, not by molecular interaction, and are thus considered mechanical rather than molecular targets[9].

Other names

FrictionShear stressShearing forceMechanical stress