Experimental and numerical investigation of the behaviour of articular cartilage under shear loading-Interstitial fluid pressurisation and lubrication mechanisms

►Interstitial fluid pressurisation governs the frictional response of articular cartilage. ►The frictional force obtained from two consecutive static loading tests can be used to derive a direct measure of the interstitial fluid support. ►Finite element analyses were used to show that interstitial fluid pressurisation helps support normal load as well as promoting a self-generating biphasic lubrication mechanism. ►Very little damage was detected after shearing AC under physiological loading conditions concluding that the tissue exhibits excellent wear properties.