Theoretical prediction of a time-at-pressure curve for avoiding pressure sores

A theoretical development of the pressure versus time curve for the onset of pressure sores is presented which is based upon the use of dimensional analysis. Comparison with available experimental data from humans and from dogs and swine indicate that this approach agrees well with experiment and also shows some promise for predicting the effects of skin elastic modulus and skin blood flow on the allowable pressures which can be safely tolerated by specific individuals.