URETHANES IN SHEAR Elastomers in shear are generally used in mounting and suspension applications. Urethane elastomers deflect more easily in shear than in compression. Shear is essentially a combination of tensile and compressive forces acting at right angles to each other. In every application which would use the high shear strength of urethanes the weakness is the dependence on a good bond between the urethane and metal. There are specific ways we have successfully used to overcome this weakness. We can discuss them with you. NEXT: Hardness Deflection of a urethane system in shear is a function of three things: the shear stress, the modulus of the urethane compound, and the thickness of the urethane.