Can two solids slide without slipping

Abstract The question posed is whether two solids that are pressed together and at the same time sheared can undergo a sliding motion without slip at the interface. The mechanism involves a propagating separation zone, with the tangential shift between the solids taking place in this zone whilst they are out of contact. It is shown that the applied forces can sustain such motion, and that the separation zones can propagate with velocities above the speed of surface waves and also in the transonic range. If such motion is induced, sliding can occur even at very low levels of applied shearing forces.