Consider an elastic block sliding on a substrate. We study the time variati
on of the elastic shear stress at the sliding interface as small surface re
gions of the block get pinned and de-pinned at the interface. Based on thes
e results we discuss the origin of the transition from slip to stick for bo
undary lubricated surfaces. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reser
ved.