The paper describes computational and experimental results for a simple mechanical model which has some features in common with load-bearing human joints. The normal approach of two rigid solids, one of which is covered by a layer of flexible porous material, is analysed; the gap between the bodies is filled with a viscous fluid. The rate of approach of the bodies is calculated and measured. Agreement between experiment and calculation is quite good, and some tentative conclusions are drawn about the lubrication of human joints, particularly in connection with the role played by the permeability of the cartilage layer.
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