A comparative study of frictional response of shed snakeskin and human skin

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A comparative study of frictional response of shed
snakeskin and human skin
H.A. Abdel-Aal, M. El Mansori, H. Zahouani
To cite this version:
H.A. Abdel-Aal, M. El Mansori, H. Zahouani. A comparative study of frictional response
of shed snakeskin and human skin. Wear, Elsevier, 2017, 376-377 (Part A), pp.281-294.
�10.1016/j.wear.2016.12.055�. �hal-02416726�

1
A comparative Study of Frictional Response of Shed Snakeskin and Human
Skin
H. A. Abdel-Aal1,*, M. El Mansori2, H. Zahouani3
1. Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA-USA, 19104,
* corresponding author: hisham.abdelaal@drexel.edu
2. MSMP-EA7350, Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Arts et Métiers, 2 Cours des Arts et Métiers, Aix En
Provence Cedex 1, France
3. Laboratoire de Tribology et Dynamique des Systèmes, UMR CNRS 5513, ENI Saint Etienne - Ecole
Centrale de Lyon .36 Avenue Guy de Collongue, 69131 Ecully cedex. France
ABSTRACT
Skin in biological systems, including humans, perform several synchronized tasks (mechanical,
protective, tactile, sensory, etc.). Tribological function is among skin tasks and may determine
the survivability of many species. Cross comparison of tribological functional traits of skin of
different species, albeit interesting, is rarely encountered, if at all exists, in tribology literature.
One interesting example is that of snake and human skins. This skin pair was the subject of
many studies for transdermal drug delivery. Results in that context concluded that snakeskin
is highly compatible with human skin despite apparent differences in surface structure and
topology. The reported compatibility raises curious question of whether there exists frictional
or tribological compatibility between the two skins and if so, under what conditions, and which
context. In this work, we report, for the first time in open literature, results of a comprehensive
comparative investigation of shed snakeskin and human skin with respect to tribological
behaviour. To this end, we compared the frictional response of shed skin obtained from P.
regius and human skin from different anatomical sites, gender, and age. The results imply that,
in essence, the mechanisms governing the friction response of human skin are common to snake
skin despite difference in chemical composition and apparent surface structure. In particular,
both skin types display sensitivity to hysteresis and adhesive dissipation. Human skin,
however, being more sensitive to hysteresis than snakeskin. One interesting finding of the
study is that the ratio of the coefficients of friction for snake and human skin, when sliding on
the same interface, depends on the reciprocal of their respective moduli of elasticity.
Nomenclature
Areal Real area of contact
E Modulus of Elasticity Nm-2
E* Composite Modulus of Elasticity Nm-2
EH Modulus of Elasticity for human skin Nm-2
Es Modulus of Elasticity for snakeskin Nm-2
EcComposite modulus of elasticity
Fad Adhesive component of friction force
Ffr Friction force
Fint Interfacial component of friction force
Fdef Deformation component of friction force
P Contact force
R Composite contact radius in Hertzian contact theory
Rq Mean arithmetic value of profile roughness (µm)
Rsradius of asperity
Sa Aerial Mean arithmetic value of roughness (µm)
Sku Profile Kurtosis parameter

2
Sq Root mean square average of the roughness profile
ordinatesm)
Ssk Profile skewness parameter
W Normal Load
Acronyms
SEM Scan Electron Microscopy
COF Coefficients of friction
RMS Root Mean Square
TBH Trailing Body Half
WLI White light Interferograms
Greek symbols
 Shear strain
Poisson's ratio
B Coefficient of friction in backward motion for
snakeskin
F Coefficient of friction in forward motion for snakeskin
Dry Coefficient of friction in dry sliding for human skin
Wet Coefficient of friction in wet sliding for human skin
Subscripts
H Human skin
SB snake backward direction
SF snake forward direction
1. Introduction
Skin in vertebrates and inter-vertebrates manifest complex composition. It comprises arrays
of collagen fibers arranged in various patterns. Arrays of collagen and elastin are common in
skin of many species (human, worms, fish, etc.,). Collagen fibers assume several shapes
(straight, convoluted, or crimps). They are arranged in patterns of various degree of
randomness [1] Despite sizeable variation in structural patterns, the stress strain curve of almost
all skin types is of a universal form (the so-called J-shaped stress-strain curve) [2].
Mai and Atkins [3] analyzed the energetics of the J-curve at each interval of its evolution during
tensile tests. They observed that within the early stages of this type of stress-strain curve, strain
is almost independent of stress. This implied the lack of shear connection in the particular
material. Lack of shear connection prevents the concentration of energy into the path of a
putative crack. Lack of shear connection, equivalent to lack of shear stiffness in anisotropic
solids, is the origin of high tear resistance of skin [3].
Friction is an interfacial phenomenon within which a shearing force performs work on an
effective volume of two complying materials. This effective volume includes the surface layer
of the skin as well as several sublayers that support the normal complying load. Dissipation of
the friction-induced-work takes place within the sub-layers along a path that depends on the
pattern of the fiber-elastin matrix comprising the skin. The universal behavior of the stress
strain curve for the skin implies also a universal behavioral trend in shear loading and thereby
in friction. That is one may anticipate that the mechanics of accommodation frictional loads
in skin are universal regardless of the species.
In the past three decades or so, considerable work that probe friction behavior of human skin
took place. The general motivation of these efforts varied between cosmetics [4-8], healing of
burn and wounds [9-13], prosthesis [14-16], and haptics [17-21] among other things.
Understanding the sense of touch and reaction of skin to fabrics was another major motivation

3
[22-27]. Recently the problem of developing synthetic skin assumed considerable momentum.
Several works that compare the friction of human skin to several synthetic skins started to
emerge in the literature [28-34]. Tribology literature however still lacks studies where the
friction behavior of skin from different species is cross-correlated. In fact, few studies that
consider skin of animals or reptiles is not frequently encountered to start with. Of the existing
studies, only few animal skin have been investigated (e.g. few reptiles, porcine and rat [35-
42]). Cross correlation of human skin performance to performance of other skin types is a very
active topic within transdermal drug delivery.
A primary objective in the design and optimization of dermal or transdermal drugs is to
understand the mechanics of “in-vivo” performance. When the drug is designed for humans,
it is essential evaluate percutaneous absorption of molecules. The best prohibit experimentation
with human subjects within the initial development stage. A challenge, therefore, arises since
the option at this stage is to find a plausible correlation between “ex-vivo”, animal and human
studies for prediction of percutaneous absorption in humans [43]. Consequently, considerable
investigations took place within the past four decades to assess the permeability of many
biomaterials in comparison to human skin. The list includes, primates, porcine, rodents, guinea
pigs and snakeskin (with porcine skin being frequently showing many similarities to human
skin [44-51]).
Higuchi and Kans [52] were the first to propose shed snakeskin as a barrier membrane in-vitro
permeation studies. Following their lead, several researchers incorporated shed snakeskins in
their experimental protocols. Skin from several snake species, Elaphe obsolete [53-57], have
been investigated. Haigh et al. [58] investigated the effect of species, sites and body regions
of the shed snakeskin on measurements and their relation to actual performance of human skin.
Haigh reported good correlation to human skin. He suggested the use of shed snakeskin as a
model membrane for permeation studies despite anatomical differences and chemical
compositions [54, 55, 59].
Trans-dermal diffusion is a time-dependent phenomenon that initiates at the skin surface (i.e.
at the level of the micro-topography (roughness)). The process starts by the diffusing substance
attempting to occupy the void space between the roughness features of the target surface.
Roughness features (or micro-topographical features on the skin) have no regular or uniform
geometry. Spacing between, roughness features, volume occupied by an individual feature,
and shape are all different on any surface. These parameters affect the path and time of
diffusion through affecting the resistance to initially filling the void space. It follows that the
manner the roughness features branch to occupy their respective volume in space will
determine the void volume available for the diffusing substance to occupy, and thereby initial
resistance to diffusion. That is, the layout of the micro topography features on the surface of
the skin maps initial resistance to diffusion. Compatibility of diffusion between two surfaces
(or skin types) therefore should originate from common features in the branching of roughness.
One difficulty encountered in identifying potential common metrological features is the
appearance of the surface of both skin types. Abdel-aal [60] avoided this difficulty by
considering the fractal structure of both skin types. That is by focusing on the growth of
topographical features in space rather than on the statistical variation within the topography of
the two surfaces. The analysis, thus, focused on identifying the relationship between form and
volume in space then relating the findings to particular metrological features (i.e., the fractal
description of the two skin types). Examination of exuviae of some 45 snake species and
comparison to human skin verified that both skin types, despite displaying different surface
topological features, share a narrow band of fractal dimensions (2.55 ≤ D ≤ 2.6). Sharing the

4
fractal dimension explained the time compatibility of snakeskin to human skin observed in
permeability experiments.
Sharing a common form of a stress-starin curve and a fractal dimension points at possible
generalized tribological features between human and snake types (with potential generalization
to skin in general). This work therefore aims at probing those shared aspects of the tribological
response of human and snakeskin.
2. Background
2.1. Structure of snake skin
The skin of snakes has two principal layers: the “dermis” and the “epidermis”. The dermis is
the deeper layer of the two main layers. It comprises connective tissue containing a rich supply
of blood vessels and nerves. The epidermis is composed of “strata” that contain closely packed
cells. The strata consist in seven layers that form an outer protective coating of the body [61].
The first of the seven layers forming the epidermis (figure 1) is the “stratum germinativum”.
This is the deepest layer lining cells having the capacity for rapid division. Following this layer,
six additional layers form each “epidermal generation”, the old and the new skin layers. These
are: the clear layer and the lacunar layer, which matures in the old skin layer as the new skin is
growing beneath;.
Oberhautchen
Oberhautchen
Beta ( )-layer
Beta ( )-layer
mesos layer
mesos layer
alpha layer
alpha layer
lacunar tissue
clear layer
stratum
germinativum
-
-
-
-
-
-
--
-
-
-
outer generation
layer
inner generation
layers
Figure 1 Generalized epidermis of a squamate reptile.
the alpha (layer, the mesos layer and the beta (-layer. The alpha (, the mesos layer
and the beta (-layer consist of cells that become keratinized with the production of two types
of keratin ( and  keratin). The keratinization process continuously transforms such layers
into a hard protective layer. Finally, there is the “oberhautchen” layer, which forms the toughest
outer most layer of keratinized dead skin cells. . The oberhautchen layer of the ventral side is
also the layer that directly interacts with the substratum during locomotion. Additionally, it is
the layer containing the micro-ornamentation of the skin (both the dorsal and ventral).
Snakes, like other reptiles, have a skin covered in scales of various shapes and sizes. Scales are
formed by the differentiation of the snake's underlying skin or epidermis. Each scale has an
outer surface and an inner surface. A snake hatches with a fixed number of scales. The scales
do not increase in number as the snake matures nor do they reduce in number over time. The
scales however grow larger and may change shape with each molt. In snakes cell division, in
the “stratum germinativum”, occurs periodically [62], and leads to the replacement of all the
layers above the area where cell division takes place. The reptile, therefore, grows a second
skin underneath the old skin, and then “sheds” the old one. About two weeks before the reptile
sheds its skin, the cells in the stratum germinativum begin active growth and a second set of
layers form slowly underneath the old ones. Following such a process, the cells in the lowest

5
layers of the old skin, the clear and the lacunar layers, and the Oberhautchen layer of the skin
below undergo a final maturation and a so called “shedding complex forms”. Fluid is exuded
and forms a thin liquid layer between them. Enzymes, in this fluid, break down the connections
between the two layers, the old skin lifts and the reptile actively removes it.
2.2 Structure of human Skin
The human skin is a soft biomaterial that manifests a sophisticated hierarchical structure [63].
Similar to reptilian skin, human skin encases the entire human body and its internal organs. It
is the organ of the largest surface area in a human body (covers around 1.6-2 m2 in adults and
accounts for approximately 16% of a person’s weight [64]. The skin is composed of three
anatomically distinct functional layers (figure 2): the epidermis, the dermis and the
hypodermis.
A human epidermal layer represents the main barrier between the body and its surroundings.
This layer performs the principal skin protective actions (i.e., its function is similar to the
oberhautchen layer in a snake). The thickness of a human epidermis ranges between 0.027 and
0.15 mm depending on the particular body cite examined. The epidermis mostly comprises
dead cells. These originate within the lower regions then are pushed by newly generated cells.
The outermost layer of the epidermis is the “stratum corneum”, which provides primary
protection for the skin. This region, only 10–20 μm thick, acts as the primary barrier to the
percutaneous absorption of compounds as well as to water loss. Underlying the stratum
corneum is the viable epidermis (50–100 μm thick), which is responsible for generation of the
stratum corneum. The dermis (1–2 mm thick) is directly adjacent to the epidermis and provides
the mechanical support for the skin. The viable epidermis is a stratified epithelium consisting
of basal, spinous and granular cell layers. Each layer is defined by position, shape, morphology
and state of differentiation of keratinocytes. The keratinocyte synthesize and express numerous
different structural proteins and lipids during their maturation. The last sequences of the
keratinocyte differentiation result in their transformation into chemically and physically
resistant cornified squames of the stratum corneum, called corneocytes. In this context,
keratinization for protective functionality, the dynamics of the epidermis in humans is similar
to the alpha () mesos, and the beta () layers in snakeskin.
The second layer within the human skin is the “dermis”. This is a layer of variable thickness
(between 0.6-3 mm). It comprises dense, irregular connective tissue, nerve, and blood vessels.
A human dermal layer comprises two sub layers: the papillary and the reticular dermis. The
dermis confers firmness, high elasticity/ resilience, tensile strength and tear resistance to the
skin [65]. The “hypodermis” is the innermost layer of the skin. It contains over 50% of the
total body fat. It is composed of loose elastic and adipose tissues and has two main functions:
firstly as a strong connection layer between the skin and the muscles or bones beneath, and
secondly for thermal insulation purposes. It also serves as a protective layer by absorbing
impacts from the outside that could result in internal damage for nerve endings and blood
vessels.
3. Materials and methods
The current study examined shed skin from Royal Python (P. regius). Table 1 presents a
summary of species taxonomy and major dimensional features
Table 1 summary of species taxonomy and major dimensional features
P. regius
Family Pythonidae
Subfamily Python
Genus P.regius

6
Length (cm) 150
Number of ventral scales 208
Ratio of length to maximum diameter 10.2
Mass (Kg) 1.3
Average area of ventral scale mm2 102.35
Maximum length of fibrils (m) 1
Maximum ventral scale aspect ratio 3.142
Minimum Ventral scale aspect ratio 1.75
General features of the species were described elsewhere [39]. Figure 3 meanwhile, details the
micro features of the skin on the dorsal and ventral sides.
Dermis
Hypodermis
(subcutis)
dermal papilla
sweat pores stratum corneum
stratum spinosum
stratum basale
Figure 2: A schematic drawing of the layered structure of human skin. The figure depicts both
a projection view and a skin cross-sectional isometric view of the various skin layers
The exuvium surface geometry of shed snake epidermis does not differ from that of a live
animal [42, 66, 67]. Therefore, the shed skin of snakes reflects the frictional response of the
live animal. Furthermore, the shed skin reflects the metrological surface and textural features
of the live animal.
Data for human skin entailed analysis and characterization of the skin of a group of volunteers.
The groups were as follows: Caucasian women ages 30 to 40 years, Young Caucasian boys (4-
6 years old), and African boys (5-8 years old).
The main purpose of the study is the cross-correlation of friction response of the skin types
examined. The detailed metrological comparison between the two skin types is therefore out
of the scope of this presentation. However, to provide a generalized view of the metrological
structure and differences between the two skin types we included representative data. This
data reflect the general trends of the roughness features of each surface. The sites chosen for
presentation differ due to the nature of function of the species (human VS snake). For snakes
the ventral parts are principally friction sites. They are used in locomotion and gripping. For
humans not all the sites are used for locomotion or gripping, yet most of the sites undergo
friction be it permanently or occasionally. As such we elected to sample human skin metrology
through the analysis of roughness of a generalized site rather than a specialized one (until the
time of a comprehensive study between the locomotry cites in both skin types i.e. ventral sites

7
in snakes and underfoot and inner palm (for example in humans). Evaluation of metrological
texture parameters utilised a white light interferometer (WYKO 3300 3D automated optical
profiler system). Analysis of all resulting White light..
1000-X
1000-X
10000-X
10000-X
10000-X
light skin
dark skin
1000-X
ventral scale
Figure 3. General appearance of the P. Regius and SEM details of the three skin colors of the
species: Dorsal skin light colored, Dorsal skin dark colored and the Ventral skin. All
observations were performed on a JEOL JSM-5510LV SEM using an acceleration
voltage that ranged between 4 kv ≤ V ≤ 6 Kv).
Interferograms, WLI, to extract the surface parameters used two software packages: Vision ®v.
3.6 and Mountains® v 6.0.
To determine the metrological features of shed snakeskin, we identified 16 regions on the hide
of each of the studied snakes. Each of the examined spots comprised a section that is
approximately 2.5 cm wide. Five interferograms were recorded for each of the dorsal and the
ventral sides of the chosen region on the skin and these were analyzed to extract the surface
texture parameters. Sample representative results of the metrological parameters for shed
snakeskin and human skin are presented in figures 4 and 5. Each of the figures depicts six
plots. The first, labeled a, shows the original-raw- white light interferogram of the particular
skin sample. Following this plot, the figure labeled b presents the surface isotropy plot. The
last four plots, labeled c through f, present the roughness profile extraction of the skin sample
in four directions (AE-PE, LL-RL, AR-PL, AL-PR).

8
AEAL
LL RL
AR
PE
PL PR
a
010 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 µm
µm
-1.5
-1
-0.5
0.0
0.50
1.0
c
010 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 µ
m
µ
m
-1
-0.5
0.0
0.50
1.0
1.5
d
010 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 µm
µ
m
-0.5
0
0.5
1
e
010 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 µm
µm
-1
-0.5
0.0
0.50
1.0
1.5
f
Figure 4 Metrological data extraction for shed python skin. Figure 4-a, original white light
interferogram, b) surface isotropy plot, c) roughness profile extraction in the anterior
posterior direction (AE-PE), d) roughness profile extraction in the lateral direction
(LL-RL), e) roughness profile extraction in the diagonal direction (AL-PR), and f)
roughness profile extraction in the diagonal direction (AR-PL).
00.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0. 5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0. 9 mm
μm
-60
-40
-20
0
20
40
c
0°
10°
20°
30°
40°
50°
60°
70°
80°
90°
100°
110°
120°
130°
140°
150°
160°
170°
180°
00.2 0.4 0. 6 0.8 11. 2 mm
mm
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
μm
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
AE
AL
PL
LL
AR
PE
0°
10°
20°
30°
40°
50°
60°
70°
80°
90°
100°
110°
120°
130°
140°
150°
160°
170°
180°
00.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 11.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 mm
μm
-60
-40
-20
0
20
40
b
ab
d
f

9
Figure 5 Metrological data extraction for Human skin. Figure 4-a, original white light
interferogram, b) surface isotropy plot, c) roughness profile extraction in the anterior
posterior direction (AE-PE), d) roughness profile extraction in the lateral direction
(LL-RL), e) roughness profile extraction in the diagonal direction (AL-PR), and f)
roughness profile extraction in the diagonal direction (AR-PL).
It is noted that in general the texture of both skin types does not show significant dominant
angle (for both skis the so called isotropy index Str falls in the interval 0.21 ≤ Str≤ 0.6 for
python skin and 0.2≤ Str≤ 0.261 for human skin).
Roughness profiles, however, differ by direction. Table 2, which presents the so-called Aerial
parameters of the skin support this remark. Observe for example that the root mean square,
and the mean value of the roughness, Sa and Sq, for snakeskin represent a small fraction of the
values pertaining to human skin. More interesting is the comparison of the Kurtosis and
Skewness, Sku and Ssk parameters of the skin types.
The kurtoses for snakeskin and for the woman group are almost equal numerically and imply
a Gaussian distribution of the roughness. Young human skin (Caucasian and African)
manifests high values. The skewness of snakeskin is positive and is opposite in sign to
skewness of human skin. The combination of positive kurtosis-positive skewness (snakeskin)
implies a surface dominated by peaks, whereas a positive-negative combination implies a
surface dominated by valleys. This arrangement is not universal in snakes but depends on the
habitual function of the particular species [39]. In case of P. regius it facilitates ventral arboreal
gripping.
Table 2 Summary values of extracted metrological parameters for snakeskin and human skin.
Parameter Snake Woman A_Boy C_Boy
Sa m 0.293 25.2 16.1 24.7
Sq m 0.373 31.7 21.4 33.3
Sku 3.37 3.36 6.16 5.70
Ssk 0.322 -0.773 -0.706 -0.574
2.3 Friction measurements
2.3.1 Snake skin
Frictional behavior of the shed snakeskin was characterized by a bio-tribometer [68]. The
active data collection element in the device comprises a thin nitrocellulose spherical
membrane; 40 mm in diameter, with approximate thickness 0.2 mm. Table 3 provides a
summary of the properties of the probe and the experimental conditions.
In a typical experimental run, the skin remains stationary and the tribo-probe moves with an
average speed of 20 mm/s using a normal force of 0.5 (±0.05) N. The skin used in
measurements consisted of 100 mm long patches taken from four locations on the ventral side
of the shed skin. Skin samples did not receive any chemical or physical treatment.
Table 3 summary of contact probe characteristics and experimental conditions
Probe
Geometry Sphere
material nitrocellulose
Dimensions
Thickness ≈ 0.2 mm
Diameter 40 mm
Mechanical Properties
Young’s Modulus 1 Gpa

10
Surface roughness
Ra 4 μm
Rz 31 μm
Experimental conditions
Sliding speed 20 mm/s
Nominal contact force 0.5 (±0.05) N
To mimic the effect of the snake body we ran a series of experiments with a flexible silicone-
padding cushioning the skin. Before starting an experiment, the particular skin patch was
placed on a rectangular elastic pad of dimensions length L= 100 mm, width W=75 mm and of
approximate thickness 4 mm. The pad is made of silicone rubber (Silflo®™, Flexico
Developments Ltd., Potters Bar, UK). Table 4 provides a summary of the pad material
properties. Measurement of the friction forces proceeded along the two major body axes: the
anterior-posterior axis (AE-PE), and the lateral axis (LL-RL). Measurements were recorded in
the forward and backward directions along both axis (i.e, going from the AE to the PE and
converse and from the LL side to the RL and converse).
Table 4: Summary of geometric dimensions and mechanical properties of elastic pads used to
cushion skin in experiments.
Geometry Rectangle
Length (mm) x Width (mm) 200 x 100
Material Silicone Rubber (Silflo ®, Flexico
Developments Potters Bar, UK)
Mechanical
Properties
Young’s Modulus (E) MPa 2 @20 C
Poissons Ratio 0.3
Stiffness (K) 300N/m
2.3.2 Human skin
Friction of human skin, in theory, is a function of hydration, anatomical site, age, gender, and
race. Many researchers investigated the effects of these factors. Cua and Elsner [69,70]
pointed the significant influence of anatomical site on the COF. Influence of race, age, and
gender, however, remains inconclusive. Elsner [70] and Asserin [71], for example, did not
observe age related differences when examining the friction of the volar forearm. Cue et al.
did not report significant differences in friction of skin based on gender. Manuskiatti et al [72]
examined roughness and friction of human skin as a function of race (Black VS Caucasian).
Again, these researchers were not able to isolate a significant race-based influence. In addition,
to the knowledge of the authors, to date, reports that indicate the existence of frictional
anisotropy in human skin are non-existent within open literature. Given such a background,
our experimental protocol did not entail provisions to investigate the effect of race, age or
gender induced influences on frictional behavior of human skin. Rather, our procedure focused
on measuring the COF of test subjects only as a function of variation in anatomical site and
hydration.
All friction measurements for human skin were obtained using the same tribo-probe used for
measuring snakeskin under the same experimental conditions (load and sliding speed).
The sites used for friction measurements comprised the principal sites within the human body
(legs, Knee, face, arms). In this study only repeatable and consistent data are reported. The
condition of repeatability confined site data to those shown in what follows.
4. Results

11
The skin responds distinctly to the combination of surface geometry, material property, and the
mechanical contact parameters of the substratum. Frictional response of the skin, therefore, is
a complex phenomenon that depends not only on the process parameters, but also on the
individual interaction between these parameters. This complexity reflects on the manner and
scope of presenting the results of any investigation of skin friction. Bearing this in mind,
presentation of results in this work will not cover every aspect of the tribology of snake and
human skins. Rather within the following sub-sections, we report on those findings that are
most relevant to the comparison process (which is the main subject of this work). The sequence
of presentation starts with exposition of the data obtained for snakeskin followed by presenting
data of human skin.
4.1. Snake Skin
Figure 6 presents a collective plot that traces the repeatability of COF values obtained. Circles
represent the COF obtained in each measurement run. Square symbols denote average values
along with associated standard deviation of data. The data shown in the plot depict
measurements obtained in dry and wet sliding modes of the leading half of the Python ventral
skin. Measurements proceeded along two principal directions. The first, termed here as forward
motion, represents motion in straight line along the anteroposterior axis of the reptile, however,
going toward the cranial end of the reptile). Moving toward the caudal end of the reptile along
the anteroposterior axis is termed here as backward motion.
The COF in backward motion is greater than the COF obtained in forward motion (i.e., B>F),
in each of the friction modes wet and dry, which manifests frictional anisotropy. This result is
consistent with the findings of several authors [38, 73-78]. The anisotropy in friction of snakes
partially emanates from the geometrical structure of the individual micro-fibrils [79].
Measurements in wet mode for forward motion, however, yield friction coefficient values that
are higher than those obtained in dry mode. In backward motion, however, values of the COF
are lower in case of wet skin. In both cases, wet and dry, the forward motion COF is less than
that in backward motion.
Figure 7 presents a collective plot of the COF obtained in various experimental runs, and the
average value, for the dorsal and ventral sides of the leading half of the Python (mid-section to
head region). The plot compares friction in the forward and backward directions for the dorsal
and ventral sides in dry sliding. The dorsal scales show higher COF than the ventral scales.
Such a result is consistent with the findings of Berthe et al [78], who confirmed the higher
friction of the dorsal scales of C. hortulanus (Amazon tree boa).
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.
6
C
o
e
ffici
e
n
t
o
f
F
ric
t
i
o
n
(
C
.
O
.
F
)
Wet measurements
Dry measurements
Forward motion
Forward motion
Backward motion
Backward motion
Python regius

12
Figure 6 Variation and scatter of COF measurements for skin of the P. regius in dry and wet
sliding conditions, for different experimental runs, obtained by the tribo-acoustic
probe method. Forward motion indicates sliding in AE-PE direction (tail to head);
Backward motion implies motion from head to tail (PE-AE). Circles indicate values
obtained in different measurement runs, whereas hexagonal symbols denote average
values along with their respective standard deviation.
Measurements also manifest the frictional anisotropy between forward and backward motion
reflected in figure 6. Figure 8 provides a comparative bar plot of the average “static” COF for
P. regius in forward and backward motion. The numerical values of the bars represent the
statistical mean of the COF obtained from all spots on the hide.
4.2. Human skin
Figure 9, presents a comparative summary of measurements obtained for human skin. The
figure presents two plots (each comparing the COF of the skin in a particular sliding mode).
Figure 9-a, depicts a bar plot of data obtained in dry sliding mode, whereas figure 9-b, plots
data obtained in wet mode. In obtaining wet mode measurements, we made no provisions to
determine skin moisture content. The procedure entailed rubbing the skin spot of interest with
a moist paper towel, then applying the measuring device. As such, values of the COF presented
as figure 9-b are to be considered as general indicators of the behavior.
The plot generally confirms the variation of the COF with anatomical site (both in wet as well
as in dry measurements). Values of the COF vary considerably between locations. The COF
value for the knee, for example, is roughly four times the COF value for the check in dry mode.
In all, COF measurements obtained in wet mode imply higher values than measurements
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.
6
C
o
e
ffici
e
n
t
o
f
F
ric
t
i
o
n
(
C
.
O
.
F
)
Dorsal front half
Ventral front half
forward motion
forward motion
bac kwa rd mo tion
bac kwa rd mo tion
Python regius
Figure 7 Scatter and comparison of the COF values obtained for skin located at the dorsal and
ventral sides of the front half of a P. regius. Measurements are depicted for Forward
(tail-to-head) motion and the converse. Circles indicate values obtained in different
measurement runs, whereas hexagonal symbols denote average values along with
their respective standard deviation.

13
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
AE-PE
AE-PE
PE-AE
PE-AE
Front Half Trailing Half
S
tatic
C
o
efficie
n
t
o
f Fricti
o
n
(
C
OF
S
)
Figure 8 Comparison between the average values of the static ventral COF obtained for the
P. regius.
obtained in dry mode. Due to the statistical constraints set in this work, a one-to-one
comparison between the COF for the same anatomical location is not possible. As such, the
following observations are to be accepted with caution.
For the cheek, the COF in dry mode is almost one third of the COF value obtained in wet mode.
The difference between the COF values for dorsal forearm, in wet and dry friction, is not as
pronounced as in the case of the cheek (value of the wet COF is still higher than that in dry
sliding). So that, while wet measurements are consistently higher than dry measurements, the
data do not allow the identification of a unique relationship that correlates wet and dry COF
values. This is due to the limited scope of the investigation. Never the less, the data reflect
dependence of the COF for human skin on the anatomical cite examined. One also has to keep
in mind that hydration in this study was imposed on the skin using water for which human skin
has a complex tribological response. The forces developed in water-based lubrication of the
skin depend on the topography of the anatomical site and on the thickness of the water meniscus
developing on the skin. The thickness of the water meniscus determines whether water would
induce a lubricating effect or, alternatively, it will induce an additional adhesive component to
the COF. Data presented in figure 9 imply that for the experimental conditions examined in
work, water induces adhesion to the COF. This adhesive contribution leads to a higher COF in
wet sliding than in dry sliding (i.e., wet>dry).

14
C
oefficient of Friction (
C
OF)
Woman 40 years
Old
0.00
0.25
0.50
0.75
1.00
1.25
1.50
1.7
5
Knee
Dorsal forearm
Volar Fore arm
Dry Measurements
a
Calf
0.25
0.50
0.75
1.00
1.25
1.50
1.7
5
C
o
e
ffici
e
n
t
o
f
F
r
icti
o
n
Volar Forearm
Cheek
Index Fi nger
Tibia
Dorsal Forearm
b
wet measurements
Figure 9 Comparison between local COF of human skin for dry and hydrated conditions.
It is interesting to note that the index finger and the volar forearm manifest significantly high
frictional resistance in the wet mode (wet >1). In addition to the presence of moisture, such a
high COF may originate from the unique deformation mechanics of skin of that particular
location, where topography and stiffness play considerable role in generation of frictional
tractions.
To address the limitations induced by repeatability of data we include tables 5 and 6. The tables
present summary COF values of human skin extracted from literature. Table 5 provides
frictional data for human skin against different materials in dynamic and static modes. Table
6, meanwhile presents frictional data as a function of skin condition (i.e. wet or dry).
Comparison of values plotted in figure 9, with those of tables six and seven reveals very good
agreement.
Table 5: COF data for human skin, from different anatomical sites, in dry friction against
different materials in dynamic and static modes
Dynamic Measurements Static Measurements Reference
location material-subs D substrate S
forehead Teflon 0.373
upper arm 0.33
volar forearm 0.46
dorsal forearm 0.455
Post aurcular 0.161 [69]
palm 0.57
Average 0.38 Teflon 0.2 [79]
nylon
0.45
polyethylene 0.3
wool
0.4
polyethylene 0.5-0.6
[80]
glass 0.4 glass
[81]
s. steel 0.2-0.4
0.3-0.6
Ruby 0.7
[71]

15
Glass 0.3-0.4
[82]
forearm teflon 0.48 [70]
Post forearm 0.43
Ant. forearm 0.46
dorsum of hand 0.47
Alumium
0.42
Nylon
0.37
Silicone 0.61
Cotton Sock
0.51
Pelite 0.45
Table 6 COF data for human skin, from different anatomical sites, in dry friction against
different materials in dynamic and static modes as a function of moisture (wet or dry)
Skin area Skin condition COF Probe/material Reference
Calf Dry (untreated) 0.5 PE sphere [80]
Wet (sweating) 1.0
Dry (cleaned) 0.18–0.72 PE sphere [83]
Forearm Dry (normal) 1.63 Steel sphere [84]
0.41 Steel slider [85]
0.9 Gold cylinder [86]
Dry (untreated) 0.45–0.65 Copper cylinder [87]
Dry (cleaned) 0.24 Steel wires [88]
0.37–0.8 Copper cylinder [83]
Wet (occluded) 1.0 Copper cylinder [87]
Wet (hydrated) 0.71 Steel slider [85]
Cheek Dry (normal) 0.12–0.22 Teflon wheel [89]
Dry (washed) 0.3–0.85 Aluminum ring, PTFE ring [90]
Wet (humid
climate) 0.925–2.1 Aluminum ring, PTFE ring [90]
Index finger Dry (untreated) 0.49 Glass [91]
0.7 Rubber glove [92]
Dry (cleaned) 0.6–1.75 Glass, paper, steel [93]
Dry (washed) 0.38 Paper [94]
Dry (washed) 0.63–1.1 Polyester sheets [95]
0.33–0.96
Cotton, Polyester, rayon, [96]
Wet (water) 1.2 Rubber glove [92]
5. Discussion
In discussing the results obtained in this work, for both types of skin, we first present the
obtained values of the coefficients of friction. Thereafter, we analyze the findings to predict
the tribological behavior and identify common as well as opposite traits.
5.1. Frictional behavior
Figure 10, presents a summary bar plot that collects all the measured COF values for human
and P. regius skins in dry friction. The plot presents the COF for human skin by anatomical
site. For Python skin, labeled P, the figure presents three COF values. These are COF for the

16
front half of the ventral skin (FH), the trailing half of the ventral skin (TH), and the average
values for the Dorsal side (D). For example, the bar labeled FHF represents the value of the
COF in forward motion averaged over the front ventral half of the reptile. Similarly, the label
(THB) stands for the COF in backward motion averaged over the trailing half of the reptile.
The COF values reflect wide variation. In general, a unified trend that governs the data is not
easy to identify. However, individually, some anatomical sites may share COF values. For
example, the COF for the cheek and calf of the human skin are close to the COF value of the
ventral front half (FHF), and that for the dorsal side of the Python in backward motion (DB).
The friction of dry skin differs from that of wet skin. The main distinction is that friction of
dry skin, as a first approximation, resembles the friction of solids where the COF does not
depend on the apparent area of contact. In such a case the surface roughness of the particular
anatomical site and the load, are the only factors influencing friction. Dependence on external
load affects the real area of contact, which in turn depends on the roughness of the particular
site within the body. Moreover, the skin being essentially a viscoelastic material will deform
according to the stiffness of the contact between the acoustic probe and the underlying cushion
under the skin. To verify this assumption we performed an extra set of experiments where the
thickness of the pad underneath the skin varied from 4mm to 6 mm resulting in an increase in
the stiffness of the contact from 300 N/m to 500 N/m. The COF was recorded for both cases,
high stiffness and low stiffness, and the results are shown in figure 11. Values plotted in the
figure are average values in the sense of being the average of the values obtained on both halves
of the ventral side of the reptile. For comparison, we include the values for the human calf and
cheek since they are the anatomical sites of which sliding resulted in a COF close to that of the
snakeskin. The plot depicts values for the COF in forward and in backward motion. The data
show that higher stiffness of the underlying cushion to the skin results in lower COF. This
result points at the effect of contact stiffness on skin friction. Consequently, the local stiffness
of an anatomical site will influence the frictional response of the skin.
0.25
0.50
0.75
1.00
Cheek
Calf
Knee
Dorsal fore arm
Volar Forearm
C
o
e
ffici
e
n
t
o
f
F
r
ic
t
i
o
n
(
C
O
F
)
Dry Friction
FHF
FHB
THF
THB
DF
DB
P
P
P
P
PP
Figure 10 Comparison of COF of human skin, from two zones (calf and cheek), with the COF
of python skin (in SF and SB sliding directions).
5.2. Effect of hysteresis
Deformation of skin and subsurface tissue during friction can contribute to the friction
coefficient in the form of viscoelastic hysteresis or ploughing [4]. The contribution to
hysteresis increases with normal load and contact pressure. Contact pressure, in turn, is a
function of the surface roughness of the skin. So in order to check which of the skin types is

17
more likely to entertain larger hysteresis contribution, it is of interest to evaluate, at least,
qualitatively, which skin type develops a higher contact pressure under the action of the same
nominal normal load. For such a purpose, we invoke the well known Greenwood-Williamson
contact model [97].
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.
5
Calf
Cheek
Human Skin
Forward
Forward
Backward
Backward
Python K= 300 N/m
Python K=500 N/m
C
o
e
ffici
e
n
t
o
f
F
ric
t
i
o
n
Figure 11 Effect of the stiffness of the contact between the acoustic probe and the underlying
cushion under the skin on the COF of reptilian skin (P. regius). Values for human
skin is included for comparison.
The model assumes that the surface roughness has a constant radius (Rs) and that the heights
of the roughness elements follow a Gaussian distribution. For elastic deformation of the
roughness elements, the contact load over a circular contact spot (similar to that established
due to the contact between the acoustic probe and the skin) s given by:
 
3
*2
4
3ns
d
Pd AE R Z d ZdZ



 (1)
For Gaussian distribution, there is no closed form solution for equation (1). Shi and Polycarpou
[98], showed that an approximation to the Gaussian distribution assumed in equation (1) is an
exponential roughness height distribution of the form,
exp
q
d
CR







(2)
Where C and λ are constants of values 17 and 3 respectively. Adopting the distribution of
equation two simplifies the integration and therefore allows a closed form solution of equation
one. Accordingly, for an exponential height distribution and elastic contact conditions, the
contact force will be given by,

1
2
*
5
2
exp
q
nsq
R
Cd
Pd AE
R
R








 
 
(3)
Equation 3 emphasizes the influence of the roughness of the skin surface on the magnitude and
distribution of the pressure acting on the skin in dry friction. This equation may be rearranged
to express the contact pressure explicitly in terms of standard surface parameters. To this
effect, for Hertzian contact conditions, we write

18



1
*3
23
exp
sq
nq
Pd d
ERR
A
R






(4)
where  is the density of the roughness. As such, to determine which of the skins, human or
reptilian, is more likely to be affected by hysteresis, it is sufficient to develop the ratio between
the contact pressures affecting the skins under the same nominal load, and assuming common
asperity radii Rs, viz,


3*
*
11
exp 3
qH
HH H
PqPP qPqH
P
Nd R Ed
Nd R E R R



  





 


  

(5)
Here the subscripts H and P denote human and snake skin respectively. Two ratios control the
outcome of equation (5). The first is the ratio of the root mean roughness RqH/RqP that is a
metrological function and is rooted in the topography of each of the skin surfaces. The second
ratio meanwhile is the ratio of the composite moduli of the elasticity E*H/E*P. This implies
that at least within the context of our simplifying assumptions the outcome of equation (5) is
determined by the level of interaction of the surface structure and the mechanical properties of
the particular type of skin. Referring to table (2) and observing the values of the Rq roughness
parameter we note that the most influential term in equation five is the ration qH
R
/qP
R
is in the
order 23≤ qH
R
/qP
R
≤ 51.
Measuring the elastic modulus of human skin was a subject of many studies. The values quoted
in literature reflect dependency on contact scale, location, and state of hydration. Van
Kinelenburg [99] introduced a unified equation that predicts the effective modulus for human
skin taking into consideration most of the results reported in literature and likely scale of
contact. Using such equation the effective modulus for human skin falls in the interval 1 Mpa
≤EH≤ 5 Mpa. For snakeskin, however, few studies have attempted to measure the elastic
modulus for different species. Rivera [100] reported that the elastic modulus for the common
garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis, ranges between 6 ≤ Esn ≤ 12 MPa. Using this value along
with that for human skin in equation (5) results in a contact pressure for human skin that is at
least 10 times that of snakeskin for the same separation distance. This implies that under the
same external loads and geometry of contact probe the human skin is more influenced by
hysteresis than snakeskin.
5.3. Coefficient of Friction
For design purposes, it is essential to quantify the COF regardless of the anatomical site. That
is, it is necessary to work with an average value that represents the friction coefficient of the
skin. Therefore, we evaluated the overall average of all measurements performed on reptilian
skin (i.e., measurements for both snakes used) and compared them to the average coefficient
for human skin.
Figure 12 presents a plot of these average quantities. Figure 12-a presents a plot of the average
of the measurements obtained in the current work, whereas figure 12-b depicts a plot of the
average of the values obtained in the current work and those values reported in literature
(summarized in tables 5 and 6).The first plot, figure 12-a, depicts the overall average of the
COF of the skin in dry friction based on measurements obtained in the current work. The plot
comprises three bars. The first, labelled human skin represents the average of the COF
measurements obtained for all anatomical sites examined. Two bars are included for the skin
of the snakes. The first (in light blue) represents the average value for the forward COF (f) for
both snake species, and all sites examined on the skin. The second bar meanwhile, represents
the average value, for the COF in backward motion (). The values imply that the COF for

19
human skin is considerably higher than the overall value for the snakeskin (almost four folds).
Such a trend is consistent with the order of magnitude of the average heights of the roughness.
Recall that the values of the roughness parameters for human skin are higher than the
parameters of snakeskin.
Snake skin bak. Motion
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.
5
Huma n Skin
Dry Measurements
S
t
a
t
ic
C
o
efficie
n
t
o
f Fric
t
i
o
n
a
0.25
0.50
0.75
1.0
0
Dry measurements
Human Skin
Snake skin Forward Motion
Snake skin bak. Motion
Dyna mi c C oeffi ci ent of Fri ction
b
Figure 12 Plot of the average COF for the skins examined in the current work for wet and dry
friction (a) plot of the average of the measurements obtained in the current work,
(b) depicts a plot of the average of the values obtained in the current work and those
values reported in literature (summarized in tables 6 and 7).
5.4. Dry friction mechanisms
Dry friction of the skin may be studied by means of Bowden and Tabor two-term model [101].
The model considers the force of friction developed in rubbing of dry skin a superposition of
two contributions: an interfacial component, Fint, and a deformation component Fdef. This
yields, the total friction force as,
int def
F
FF (6)
The deformation component has its origin in the incomplete recovery of energy dissipated due
to deformation of the skin. For many cases involving the friction of polymers and thin films
of biomaterials, the deformation component may be ignored and only the interfacial
contribution is to be solely considered [102]. The origin of the interfacial component is the
dissipation of energy due to rupture of intermittent junctions formed between the two sliding
interfaces and deformation of roughness elements. Therefore, we write the interfacial
contribution of the friction force as [103, 104] in the linear form
f
ad real
F
FA

 (7)
Where  is the interfacial shear stress and real is the real area of contact between skin and
substrate. The adhesion force Fad is a function of two contributions, the surface energy of the
counter faces and the area over which the adhesive bonds do form [105-107].
As a first approximation, one may model skin behaviour in friction as an elastic deformable
material of which interaction with the sliding counter face follows Hertzian theory. It follows
that the area of contact Areal in equation (7) is calculated from,
2
3
3
4
real c
RW
AE



 (8)

20
Where R is the radius of the contact probe, W is the applied normal load and Ec is the composite
or reduced Young’s Modulus given by,
1
22
11
c
skin substrt
EEE










 (9)
Considering the rigidity of the probe (substrate) compared to the skin, the second term in
equation (9) becomes zero. Consequently, the real area of contact Areal is expressed as,


2
232
3
1
real
A
KRW
E






(10)
Where K is a constant, and the Poisson’s ratio and the modulus of elasticity are those of the
skin. Recognizing that the COF is the ratio of the friction force to the normal load acting on
the skin, we may write

21
2323
1
real
AR
K
WEW






 



(11)
(8)
Under the assumption of elastic behaviour the shear stress  in equation (11) may be expressed
as,

21
E



 (12)
Now consider two skin samples the first is a human sample, H, and the second is that of a
snake, denoted by s. If both samples slide under the same shear stress, and against the same
interface, then the ratio of their shear strain, again within the elastic solid approximation, takes
the form,



1
1
H
s
H
s
Hs
E
E





(13)
Using equations (11) and (13) the ratio of the COF for the human skin to the COF of snakeskin
simplifies to,




22/3
311
11
HH
S
H
SH SS
E
E







 



(14)
Recognizing that the magnitude of the second term in equation (14) is around unity, we deduce
the main influence on the ratio of the friction coefficients as,
2
3
S
H
sH
E
E




 (15)
Equation (15) indicates that the ratio of friction coefficients in dry mode is proportional to the
ratio of the moduli of elasticity of the skins. As such, using the values previously used in
equation 5 yields the maximum approximate value of the ratio of friction coefficients /Sn
as 4.5. Such a value is very close to the ratio of the coefficients calculated from figure (12-a)
(/SnF ≈4.5 and /SnB ≈ 3).
It is important to note that the comparison of COF performed to note that the comparison of
COF performed in this work is intended as an initial exploration. The behavior of skin in

21
friction, regardless of the species, is very complex. The complexity drives from the internal
makeup of the skin and the mechanical behavior of the components or layers. As seen in
section two, the composition of both human and snake skin entails layers of essentially different
composition (chemically and mechanically). These layers are inhomogeneous with respect to
the building blocks (fibers, keratin structures, filaments, etc.). The individual components also
have different orientations. This complexity of construction definitely reflects on the
tribological behavior of the skin and for sure reflects on the mechanical properties of the skin.
Each layer of the skin has its own mechanical properties. Detailed analysis of friction response
of human skin for example [108, 109] showed that the outer layer of the skin, the stratum
corneum, has a dominant influence. This layer, however, does not act individually but supports
the loads through assistance from the underlying strata of the skin (each contributing according
to the mechanical properties).
Behavior of snakeskin is not drastically different as the outer layer, the Oberhautchen, contains
the topographical features of the skin, whence it dominates friction. Similar to human skin, it
supports loads in conjunction with the underlying layers of the skin and the musculature
involved. In all, the detailed picture concerning the response of skin to friction does not lend
itself to simple analysis. As such, in this work we sought a generalized framework that seeks
the features common in behavior of the two skin types.
The analysis presented here mainly dealt with dry sliding. For sliding in presence of moisture,
other effects have to be considered (e.g. surface energy of the skin). Many of the necessary
parameters are not uniquely characterized for human skin. The literature is full of different,
sometimes contradicting, values for properties of human skin in wet state. For snakeskin, the
situation is more undefined. There is a complete vacuum when mechanical properties are
considered. However, some experimental work, which is in preparation and performed in the
first author’s lab, indicates similarity in behavior between human skin and snakeskin when
sliding in wet mode. In particular, the COF for wet snakeskin increases, compared to the dry
COF, in the presence of moisture which is similar to the behavior of wet human skin reported
elsewhere [67-81].
The COF model presented in this work has its origin in Hertzian contact mechanics. One way
of modelling the contact mechanics involved is that of studying a punch, which represents the
roughness feature of the substrate, initially penetrating through the skin. The mechanical
response of the skin surface will depend on the depth that an asperity penetrates through the
skin. Hill [110], motivated by early experimental and theoretical works [111-115], developed
a so-called similarity solution for rigid indentation, that which models the examined contact
situation. He showed that the overall solution of the contact mechanics problem, whence the
normal and tangential forces resulting could be derived from a single solution given that
appropriate scaling is adopted. That is the geometry, stress and strain fields throughout the
indentation process are derived from a power law relationship [115-117].
The conclusions reached herein should be accepted only in the context of the experimental
condition prevailing in the current work. We examined human skin with all compositional
layers involved in friction (despite the apparent notion that only the superficial layer, the
“dermis”, is in direct contact with the triboprobe. Snake shedskin samples, however, comprised
only the outer layers of the skin without the sublayers that typically support the skin in a life
reptile. Such a situation affects the deformation and viscoelastic dissipation contributions to
friction of both skins.
The lateral friction force in the two-term model invoked in this work is in essence a
superposition of an adhesive component and a deformation component. The adhesion
component is a consequence of interfacial shear and the deformation component originates

22
from the energy dissipated by subsurface viscoelastic deformation especially at the front of the
probe. The subsurface deformation also entails viscoelastic stretching, or hysteresis, in the
lateral direction (i.e. lateral skin stretching). The stretching is to be noted takes place within
all subsurface supporting layers of the skin. Naturally, within the constraints of the current
work, dissipation within the human skin samples involved those supporting layers since the
measurements were performed in situ. For snakeskin, however, dissipation did not involve
such layers. That is, lateral and tangential dissipation in case of snakeskin was not activated.
This situation indicates a discrepancy between the amounts of energy dissipated due to
deformation in each of the examined skins. The exact effect of this discrepancy on the accuracy
of the numerical values of the COF ratio was not attempted here. However, it is estimated that
this effect will not have a considerable effect on the trend reflected in the current work for two
reasons. The first is that the deformation contribution to the COF is typically negligible (in the
order of 0.04 to 0.06 [102]). The second meanwhile has to do with the high fractal dimension
of both skins D ≥ 2.55 [60], which indicate that the behavior of the material in friction is
dominated by the mechanical properties of the surface features rather than those of the bulk of
the material.
Conclusions
The primary motivation of this study is to explore the similarities in friction response of various
skin types. This work, therefore, introduced, for the first time in tribology literature, a cross-
correlation study of the behaviour of two different skin types (human and snake) in dry friction.
The premise of the work originates from the similarity of the stress-strain curve obtained in
tensile testing of skin across species (i.e. the so-called J-type curve) and from the similarity of
the building blocks of skin across species (fibres and elastin). Combined to the well-
documented influence of mechanical properties on tribological behaviour of materials, the
existence of a common stress-strain curve may suggest the existence of a generalized
framework that can describe, and then predict, the friction behaviour of skin in general.
The analysis invoked the conventional two-term friction model to correlate the friction
coefficient of human skin to that of snakeskin. In doing so we have introduced the simplifying
assumption of elastic behaviour as a first approximation. Within such frame of reference the
ratio of the COF, snake to human, correlated to the inverse ratio of the respective moduli raised
to a fraction exponent.
The results, albeit preliminary and under simplifying conditions, imply that dominant
mechanisms in dry friction of both skins are similar. In particular, the dominance of the moduli
of elasticity implies the principal importance of frictional energy dissipation-accumulation for
structural integrity of the skin building blocks.
Future work will be directed toward the comparison of wet friction performance for both types
of skin and to widen the scope of investigation to include in vitro reptilian skin measurements
and skin from other species.
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